By Scott Roblin

Nordic teammates Dalevik & Nordlund helping to drive Rattlers attack

Oct 21, 2018 | 9:01 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – They may be rivals while watching international sports, but Alfred Dalevik and Edvard Nordlund have formed a unique partnership on the volleyball court.

Both members of the undefeated 4-0 Medicine Hat College Rattlers men’s squad, the duo have been big parts of the team’s attack early on in the 2018-19 season.

Dalevik is entering his fourth season wearing the black and yellow, while Nordlund is a new import from overseas trying to cut his teeth after playing professional ball.

But their biggest similarity comes from where they grew up, as the duo hail from the Nordic countries of Sweden and Finland.

Dalevik, from Falkenberg, Sweden said he remembers vividly his first few weeks after jumping over the pond.

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“It was definitely a big difference at the start,” said Dalevik. “But, everybody here is so helpful and inviting you to come for holidays and stuff like that all the time. So, I’m just enjoying my time here.”

Nordlund grew up in Mariehamm, Finland which is located between the two countries and learned Swedish as his first language.

He said that’s made communication with Dalevik on the court that much easier, as they can both converse with their native tongues.

“It’s perfect to have him to talk to sometimes,” said Nordlund. “If there’s something I just want to go through in Swedish, which is my first language, I can do it with him. So, it’s great to have him here and he’s a good captain.”

While the two get along on and off the court, the reason for their pairing has been their ability to control the Rattlers attack.

The duo have combined for almost half of Medicine Hat’s total kills on the season, while they rank first and second, respectively in offensive attempts.

Dalevik added Nordlund’s previous professional experience in Sweden has helped stabilize the team’s offence and is excited to see their attack evolve throughout the season.

“It’s always good to have a guy that you can trust out there,” he said. “He knows what he’s supposed to do all the time and if he was to not play a perfect game, he knows it as well. So, you don’t have to be hard on him in that sense.”

Despite offence being the bread and butter of the two Nordic towers, Nordlund and Dalevik also sit fourth and fifth on the team in digs on the defensive side of the ball.

Both Rattlers teams will enjoy a bit of a break over the next few weeks, with their next game action scheduled for November 2 in Red Deer against the Kings and Queens.