Robin Lehner

Robin Lehner (born July 24, 1991) is a Swedish professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the Binghamton Senators of the American Hockey League. He was drafted into the NHL by the Ottawa Senators (2nd round, 46th overall) in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.

Career
Compared to many other players, Lehner started playing hockey relatively late at ten-years old. He had previously played soccer, but found he was not very good at it. He started playing hockey with Mölndal IF, and in only seven years he became one of the top Swedish goalies in his age group. Lehner played for Frölunda until the 2008-09 season. After being drafted by the Ottawa Senators in the 2nd round, 46th overall in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, he moved to Canada to play with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).

On March 29, 2010, Lehner signed a three-year entry level contract with the Ottawa Senators. Ottawa sports media have suggested that the "highly touted prospect" will provide some stability and longevity to the Senators goaltending, something the organization has rarely had since its inception. Following a successful season in Sault Ste. Marie, the Senators organization informed the team that Lehner would not be returning as he would begin his time with the Binghamton Senators for the 2010-11 season.

International competition
Lehner has competed internationally for Sweden in the 2009 IIHF World U18 Championships in Fargo, North Dakota and Moorhead, Minnesota, United States where Sweden placed fifth. He will also be competing for starting goaltender at the 2011 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships in Buffalo, New York.

Playing style
Lehner is a butterfly goalie who uses his large frame to his advantage. Despite his size, he remains quite mobile with good lateral movement. Following the 2009 draft, the Senators scouting staff described Lehner's style as very competitive with good technique and a willingness to aggressively challenges shooters. Team Sweden coach Stephan Lundh described him as a "steady, calm person. He's very determined."

Robin's father, Michael Lehner, has helped coach Henrik Lundqvist, and has had a big influence on both goaltender's playing styles. His father never played goaltender, so he would often use his son as a "guinea pig" for Lundqvist. Michael has done various forms of martial arts at an elite level and took his knowledge of movement over to goaltending. He is currently the goaltending coach for Dinamo Minsk and the Belarus national team.

Awards and recognitions

 * CHL Goalie of the Week (November 16–22, 2009)
 * CHL Goalie of the Week (Jan 25-31, 2010)