WEEKLY RECAP: HOCKEY'S BACK!

New Season

The 20234/24 season kicked of on Thursday evening and continued with games on Saturday as all teams were in action on the first two days of the schedule. Three teams in particular came away with a stellar start to the season, winning both of their opening games.

Örebro opened up their new campaign with a big win over Leksand. After giving up a pair of goals in the first frame they would answer back with a goal in the second to pull themselves back within one. But it was a big four goal third period that would seal the come from behind victory for them as they came away with the 5-3 win on the road. Their home opener against Rögle would not disappoint the fans as they would come away with the victory in the shootout in a very tight game that would only see one goal each in the third period. With the win they claimed five of a possible six points on their opening weekend. 

Linköping also opened up their new season on the road with a game in Jönköping, taking on rivals HV71. Despite being heavily outshot 40-18 in the game, Linköping managed to push the contest to a shootout. They would come away with the shootout victory to secure their first season opening win on the road since 2012. They were back home on Saturday afternoon in front of a packed house at Saab Arena where they took on Oskarshamn. A pair of goals in both the second a third periods were more than enough to secure the victory as LHC put on a great show for the hometown crowd, coming away with the 4-1 win. Just like Örebro, Linköping also claimed five of a possible six points in their opening weekend. 

The only team on the week who were able to come away with a full six points was Färjestad, which is made all the more impressive considering the fact they faced off against both Skellefteå and Växjö in their opening games. Both games ended in 4-1 wins for Färjestad who are off to an impressive start to the season. 

The only two teams who didn't manage to grab a point in the standings were Leksand and Malmö, who lost both of their games in regulation. HV71 and newcomers MoDo also lost both of their opening games but managed to come away with a single point from overtime losses. Action continues this week with a full slate of games on both Thursday and Saturday.

Nilsson

Good news for youngster Fred Nilsson, his tryout contract with Leksand has been turned into a full time contract that is valid through the rest of the season. The 20 year old defenceman has impressed the management and coaching over the pre season and first two games of the regular season that they feel he will be an asset to the team. 

– Fred has really taken the chance during this try out period and possesses many exciting qualities while he is also young with great development potential. What we are particularly impressed by is Fred's mobility on his skates, his physical game and ability in the defensive end, says Leksand's GM Thomas Johansson to the club's website. 

Nilsson played 11 games in the SHL with Skellefteå two seasons ago but spent all of last season in Hockey Allsvenskan with Kristianstads. 

– First of all, I am extremely happy to have signed an extension. I have received a great welcome into the team and the organization and I enjoy everything around me very well, says Nilsson.

Rautio

Speaking of contract extensions, goaltender David Rautios short term contract with Skellefteå has been extended a further three weeks. The 38 year old goaltender has 18 seasons and 338 SHL games under his belt and he will remain with the team into October.