Before SHL - Eurohockey presents Skellefteå AIK
The start of 2015/16 SHL season is closing in and for upcoming season, there will be 14 teams competing for the trophy Le Mat. Reigning champions are Växjö Lakers. For the next 14 days, Eurohockey is presenting one team each day. In Part 11. we meet Skellefteå AIK.
For Skellefteå AIK, last season was a disappointment as they lost the final game against Växjö Lakers and didn't manage to take their third straight SHL trophy. But Skellefteå is a successful team. In five straight finals, the team have won two (2013, 2014).
For upcoming season, Skellefteå haven't changed much in the squad. Most of the players are still in the group, but there's been some adjustments. Players who's left Skellefteå is Nick Sörensen, Daniel Widing, Martin Sevc and Erik Andersson. And players who's entered are Jimmie Ericsson, Terry Broadhurst, Mattias Ritola and Alexander Urbom.
Skellefteå have by media, once again, been pronounced as the biggest favorites to win the trophy this season. And yes, Skellefteå may be a really great team with speed, physics and smartness. But, coaching staff Hans Wallson, Bert Robertsson and Stefan Klockare has to come up with some new ways in the teams gameplay, otherwise it won't be a fourth gold for the "Machine from Northern Sweden."
One of the biggest profiles in Swedish hockey, Jimmie Ericsson, have returned home and Skellefteås' GM Lars Johansson is thrilled: -"Jimmie is a leader and profile in the group, as well in the lockeroom as on the ice. As a player, Jimmie contributes over the whole ice and possess offensive qualities that fits well in our way of playing," Johansson said.
Opening game for Skellefteå AIK will be against HV71 on September 17th in Skellefteå Kraft Arena, Skellefteå, Sweden.