From starting in Stockholm, Sweden, to making his NHL debut in San Jose, and now sitting between the pipes in Milwaukee, Admirals goalie Magnus Chrona’s hockey career has set the bar when it comes to adaptability, dedication and hard earned milestones.
This is Chrona’s first season with the Admirals. Through his nine games with the team, the goalie has boasted 240 saves, allowing an average of 2.56 goals per game. As he adjusts to his new team in the present, Chrona reflected on his hockey start early in life.
“My dad got me into hockey,” Chrona said. “He just put skates on me when we were younger, and he kind of put me into hockey school when I was about six.”
Chrona’s early years discovering his passion in Sweden set the stage for his future. An impactful shift in his game came when he switched from a skater to the coveted goalie position.
“When I was younger, we played half-ice, like in the snow pretty much,” Chrona said. “Then I played one tournament as a player on full ice, and that was it. I switched.”
Chrona noted that one of his biggest accomplishments came early in his career as a student at the University of Denver from 2019 to 2023. The Pioneers went on to win their ninth championship with Chrona in the net in 2022.
“Playing all four years brought me a lot of experience,” Chrona said. “Winning that championship was incredible, even though one year we didn’t go as far as another. You get to see both sides of it.”
Along with winning the championship being his biggest accomplishment thus far, he noted that his time at Denver left him with some of his favorite hockey memories.
“It was so special because it was with a group of guys I had been with for a long time,” Chrona said. “In college sports, you’re together every day—at the rink, in class, or at home. That’s what made it so meaningful.”
Even despite finding early success, Chrona faced setbacks that tested his loyalty to the sport. He recalls a specific moment that set his mindset for good.
“I was close to giving up because I didn’t get taken onto a team one year,” Chrona said. “But I was told not to, and I think that was one of the biggest turning points in my career. Never give up.”
With his inner motivation in his back pocket, Chrona is young in his career and looks to play for many years to come. As the 24-year-old looks to the future, his goals are simple yet ambitious.
“Just grow,” he said. “Grow as a player, grow as a person. Each and every year you can always get better.”With a strong foundation and a drive to grow, Chrona’s journey is far from over. As he builds on his early achievements, the goalie has his sights set on an even brighter future in the sport.
