Photo credit: hockeyallsvenskan.se

Washington Capitals 2012 first round pick, Filip Forsberg, received a prestigious honor today. The forward was named the best under-20 player of the season in the HockeyAllsvenskan. Forsberg, who finished the season with 14 goals, 17 assists, and a plus-minus of plus-14, also captained the Swedish World Junior Championship team which won the silver medal this year and did the Gangnam Style dance multiple times to utter perfection.

“Lots of players have played well in the league, but of course I’m really happy to win the award,” Forsberg was quoted by the league and translated by friend-of-the-blog Jake Ware. “I’m a bit shocked as the competition was tough. I though Mikael Wikstrand was the favorite with all the points he’s put up.”

Here is Leksands IF’s press release announcing the award as translated by Jake.

The Golden Cage to Filip Forsberg

Viasat and HockeyAllsvenskan announced today that Filip Forsberg has been awarded the Golden Cage, the award given to HockeyAllsvenskan’s best junior.

Honor aside, the prize means that the club’s youth program will receive a check of 100,000 kronor.

It will be presented during the home game against Malmö on Saturday.

Also, here is the league’s justification for giving Forsberg the award.

Filip Forsberg has taken on big responsibility both on and off the ice. He has this season produced at nearly a point per game, and has developed into a leader. Filip has improved his floor and has particularly impressed in his ability to play one-on-one. He was team captain for the World Juniors, being selected to the All-Star Team, and is a big contributing factor as to why Leksand are HockeyAllsvenskan champions 2012/13.

Filip is also a warm and positive person off the ice and is always the first to help out his teammates.

The 100,000 kronor go to Leksand IF’s junior program as an award for the club’s successful use of its young hockey talents.

Forsberg, already signed to a three-year entry-level deal with the Capitals, is eligible to play for the Capitals this season or next.