By Scott Ferguson
scott@canucks-abroad.com

Scandinavia - Hotbed of Canadian Talent
North American players looking to make an impact in Europe in the 1990s generally 'set sail' for the United Kingdom, these days, you're just as likely to catch a Canuck in action north of the arctic circle.

No longer are Canadians hoping to forge a career in the World's Game limited to contracts in the EPL or one of the lower British divisions. While many still go the conventional route, far-flung destinations in Europe are becoming just as common destinations for Canadian youngsters, with fans becoming used to spotting their heroes just as often the colours of Tromsø IL as those of Ipswich Town.

Whether its Kevin de Serpa putting in his time in the Norwegian third division or Atiba Hutchinson leading FC Copenhagen to Champions League glory over Manchester United, Canadians have been making a mark in the region throughout the decade. Nowhere is this more true than at the northernmost top flight team in world football, where Canadians have fittingly made a home in recent years: among the Canucks at Norwegian side Tromsø IL in recent years have been Lars Hirschfeld (named as the club's best-ever goalkeeper by a local newspaper), his replacement Kenny Stamatopoulos, midfielder Patrice Bernier and forward Stephen Ademolu.

While his Toronto FC career lasted just one season in 2007, Marco Reda was something of a cult hero at Sogndal (also in Norway), playing with the club in the top division from 2002-2004 before returning in 2006 to help the side win promotion back to the Tippeligaen. At the other end of the pitch in Norway, Olivier Occean has been banging them in for Lillestrom, forming a formidable strike partnership with Michael Mifsud before the latter's transfer to Coventry City last summer.

Whether in a Champions League clash in the bright lights of Europe's top stadia or a relegation battle on a frozen pitch, Canucks-Abroad will keep you abreast of the latest developments regarding our boys in the northern tip of Europe.

If you know of a Canadian playing professionally in Scandinavia not listed here, please contact scott@canucks-abroad.com or ryan@canucks-abroad.com.

Complete list of current players in Scandinavia:

Denmark
Atiba Hutchinson - FC Copenhagen (Superligaen) (1)
Issey Nakajima-Farran - FC Nordsjælland (Superligaen) (1)
Andrew Ornoch - Esbjerg fB (Superligaen) (1)
Paris Nakajima-Farran - Næstved BK (Viasat Divisionen) (2)

Norway
Olivier Occean - Lillestrom (Tippeligaen) (1)
Kenny Stamatopoulos - Tromso (Tippeligaen) (1)
Felix Brillant Jr. - FK Sparta Sarpsborgs (Adeccoligaen) (2)
Robert Giacomi - Kristiansund Ballklubb (Adeccoligaen) (2)
Kevin De Serpa - Mandalskameratene (Norsk 2 group) (3)

Sweden
Derek Gaudet - Malmo FF (Allsvenskan) (1)
Tyler Hughes - Östers (Superettan) (2)

There are currently no players based in the Finnish leagues.