The Fife Flyers are one step closer to finalising their roster for the upcoming Elite League season, with the addition of forward Anthon Eriksson on a one-year contract.
The Swede arrives in Kirkcaldy from HockeyAllsevnskan outfit Västerås IK, for whom he recorded six points (four goals, two assists) in 30 appearances last season.
Eriksson has six years of second division experience to his name in Sweden, recording 49 points (33 goals, 16 assists) in 216 appearances.
The 28-year-old has also earned ice time in Sweden’s third tier – HockeyEttan – and the Polish Hockey League, in which he posted 22 points (14 goals, 8 assists) in 37 appearances for GKS Katowice.
Eriksson is the tenth forward to put pen to paper on a one-way contract with the Flyers this summer, joining an offensive unit that includes former Dundee Stars shooter – and fellow Swede – Johan Eriksson.
“I’m looking forward to next season, I’ve never been to Scotland before but it looks amazing,” said the forward.
“I’m excited to meet my teammates and get to know the organisation. Let’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Flyers.”
Analysis: Anthon Eriksson unlikely to set pulses racing in the Elite League
Anthon Eriksson projects to be a third-line forward for the Fife Flyers, who have overhauled their roster under the direction of Tom Coolen this summer.
“Anthon is a big, strong winger with experience at the highest level in Sweden,” said Coolen.
“He plays with passion and skill. He will win battles on the ice and win the hearts of the fans in Fife.”
Eriksson has never set the world on fire with his offensive instincts in the professional ranks, with his standout campaign – in Poland – failing to meet the point-per-game threshold.
Anthon Eriksson, now of the Fife Flyers (Image: GKS Katowice)
He will, however, through his 6-foot-3 frame around the ice and drop his gloves when the Flyers are in a pinch.
The Kalix-born forward amassed 64 penalty minutes last season and will add a physical edge to a Fife squad that has lacked bite in the past.
Ultimately, Eriksson will not be a make-or-break player for the Flyers this term – forwards signed with middle-six roles in mind rarely are.
However, there are reasons to be a little concerned by the situation in Fife – whose roster includes a paltry amount of experience in competitions like the American Hockey League (25 games played), Swedish Hockey League (22 games played), and Liiga (317 games played – most of them by a single player).
It could be a long season for the Flyers.
