This weeks signings in the EIHL

The Sheffield Steelers completed their defensive core with Swede Christoffer Björkland. He had spent all of his time in Sweden previously, playing at  Tingsryds AIF, VIK Vasteras and Mora IK in the Allsvenskan. Coach Paul Thompson said “I like the fact that he led the Allsvenskan in minutes played as a defensemen last year, that show’s me he has a good engine as well”

Björkland himself said,  “Sheffield is a winning organisation and who doesn’t want to win. I’m sure its going to be very tough trying to win the league for a third time but we will try very hard that’s for sure.

“The CHL excites me as well, who wouldn’t want to play in those games. It also means an early return to Sweden. Those games will be very difficult and a huge challenge but we will go in looking to be successful”

Bjorklund describes him self as a “a solid two way defensemen”

The Fife Flyers made only their fourth signing when they brought Matt Sisca from Elite league Manchester Storm. He scored 77 points for Manchester last year and he has also played in the ECHL and in Austria.

Head Coach Todd Dutiaume said the following on the signing “I'm excited to link Matt up with our returning forwards. That added offensive punch up front was something I was keen to shore up right away and Matt definitely brings that.” 

“Our big ice suits his game and I'm sure he will become a fan favourite very quickly.”

Sisca said “I’m delighted to be returning to the EIHL for a second season, and to join the Flyers. I enjoyed playing against the Flyers last season. Fife Ice Arena is a tough rink to play in, so it’ll be nice to play there as part of the home team rather than the away team this season. I’m excited for the season ahead and look forward to putting on the Flyers jersey and hopefully winning some silverware”.

Over in Northern Ireland, the Belfast Giants were not to be outdone as they added  6’ 5” defenceman Ryan Martinelli to their squad. He joins from Fischtown Pinguins, of the DEL2 where he helped them to a title a year ago. He has also had spells in Norway and Italy .

His signing was made possible with the help of the UlsterUniversityBusinessSchool. Head Coach Steve Thornton said, “Ryan is a big guy, 6’5″ who clears the net really well. He is a winner, who won in Bremerhaven and I think he is a great skater as well. We wanted more size without sacrificing speed so he is the perfect guy for that job.”

The last addition in the EIHL was an extension, Joey Haddad signed for another year. Last term he scored 45 points for them (16 goals in that). Before he joined the Devils two years ago he had three seasons in the ECHL with Gwinnet Gladiators

 

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