Now with FCE, Hauksson looks forward to the challenge of North American football

Oskar Orn Hauksson, left.

It’s not hard to pick out Oskar Orn Hauksson out of a crowd of FC Edmonton players wearing the team’s brand new blue and black training tops. He’s got his long blond locks tied into a knot atop his head, in a design that makes you wonder if there’s such a thing as a viking-samurai crossover.

While the long blond locks, startings of a beard and ,the Icelandic heritage might get you thinking “The Mighty Thor” right out of the gate, the veteran hopes that his crosses and ability to pick out a pass will be what makes him stick in the minds of Eddies fans.

While Hauksson has only been in Edmonton a short time — he likes what he sees. On loan from KR Reykjavik, he wants to establish himself away from his homeland. And playing in the NASL offered that chance to diversify his career.

“I’ve been in Iceland a long time, and I’ve won all you can win over there,” Hauksson says after the first formal training session of the Eddies’ 2015 training camp comes to a close. “I’ve played in Europe, too. I wanted a new challenge. I know that soccer is on the rise in North America. My agent came up with it, and we talked to Colin (FC Edmonton head coach Colin Miller) and we did the deal.”

But, before the deal was signed, Hauksson spoke to Tomi Ameobi. The Eddies’ striker made his NASL debut in 2014 but, before that, played against Hauksson in the Icelandic league. So, Hauksson sounded Ameobi out; and the reviews for FCE and the NASL were positive.

“He said it was a good level of football, that the competition is good. And, what I have seen is very good so far,” says Hauksson.

Because he’s played European games in warm weather, the thought of having to play in Texas or Florida summer heat and humidity doesn’t faze Hauksson. And what can FCE supporters expect to see? A player who can spend time on either wing. But, with NASL Best XI man Lance Laing on the left, it’s easier to imagine Hauksson getting time on the right side.

“I’m a creative player, who can deliver the ball from the wings,” says Hauksson. “From the right, I can take the ball inside and shoot or from the left I can deliver crosses. I can play on either side. What I will do will be Colin’s choice.”