The Belfast Giants have boosted their title tilt with the addition of forward Henrik Eriksson, who will ice for the SSE Arena outfit for the rest of the season.
The 26-year-old arrives in the Elite League from Norway’s Fjordkraftligaen, in which he recorded 30 points (14 goals, 16 assists) in 29 appearances for Lillehammer.
“We’re excited to welcome Henrik to the team,” Belfast head coach Adam Keefe said of the Swedish forward. “Bringing in a player like Henrik, who was putting up some good numbers this season in Norway and playing with confidence, we hope can help add to our offensive output.
“Eriksson played for Ritten back in the 2018 Continental Cup clash versus the Giants which helped land him here today, as he is excited to play in front of the fans for the Giants this time around. “
Eriksson has a wealth of experience on the continent, with successful seasons in Sweden, Austria and Italy on his résumé.
“I’m looking forward to arriving in Belfast and getting to work,” said the 6-foot-1 forward. “I’ve heard great things about the Elite League, and the Giants, too, so that’s exciting. When I played at the Giants’ home arena in 2018, the atmosphere and facilities were amazing – I can’t wait to get back.
“In terms of my plans for the rest of the season; I hope to get my head down, make some key plays on the ice, and ultimately, get the puck past the opposing goalies and into the back of the net – and have fun while doing so.”
Per the Giants, Eriksson is expected to debut later this month.
Analysis: Belfast Giants land proven scorer in Henrik Eriksson
Henrik Eriksson is an excellent signing for the Belfast Giants, not least because he has proven himself to be a valuable asset on the ice.
In the Fjordkraftligaen, the Hille-born forward exceeded the coveted point-per-game rate despite playing on a bottom-half roster.
Henrik Eriksson, now of the Belfast Giants (Image: AlpsHL)
Additionally, he has a wealth of experience playing in various leagues across Europe, including a 48-point effort in the Alps Hockey League in his age-21 season.
Eriksson, a one-time champion of Italy, arrives in Belfast with a fire in his belly.
Is he the player who will elevate the Giants into pole position in the title fight? Or will Belfast continue their mid-season recruitment spree?
As always, time will tell.
