Born and raised in Stockholm, Hellman started to play ice hockey with local club Hammarby IF as a youngster. He went to school together with Sven Bergqvist and Stig Emanuel Andersson, who both would become celebrated sportsmen in the club.[1] He was promoted to the senior roster in 1932, competing in Sweden's highest division at Elitserien.[2][3]
Playing as a left winger, Hellman became known as a good skater and an elegant stickhandler. He won two Swedish championships – in 1936 and 1937 – with Hammarby IF.[4] In total, he played 151 games for Hammarby IF and scored 47 goals, before retiring in 1942.[5]
He also played bandy with Hammarby IF, making one season with the club in the top tier Division 1 in 1935.[10] In 1936, Hellman also made four league appearances for Hammarby IF's football section in Division 2, Sweden's second tier.[11]
Personal life
After he left the ice, Hellman continued in hockey administration, serving as a team leader for the Swedish national team. Two of his sons, Åke Hellman and Göran Hellman, would later represent Hammarby IF in ice hockey.[12][13][14]