The Sheffield Steelers have signed defenceman Carl Ackered on a contract until the end of the Elite League season.
The 32-year-old Swede, who played for the Guildford Flames between 2017 and 2020, arrives at the Utilita Arena from Slovan Bratislava of the Slovak Extraliga.
“Carl is a very good two-way defenceman who has posted really good numbers in this league,” explained Sheffield head coach Aaron Fox.
“We wanted to make sure we had enough cover for [Sebastien] Piche and [Mason] Mitchell, who are both on injury reserve, when he became available last week.
“We feel that Carl is just too talented of a player to not bring in at this time. He’s very good on the powerplay, which we have had our struggles with, and has an excellent shot. I feel he will fit into the group and give us another versatile option for the end of the season.”
The Steelers return to the ice on Wednesday [15 February] in the Challenge Cup versus the Fife Flyers, with Ackered available for selection.
Analysis: Sheffield Steelers shrewd to acquire defenceman Carl Ackered
Carl Ackered is a known quantity in the Elite League, with his three-year spell as a member of the Guildford Flames proving his quality.
The Stockholm-born skater recorded 140 points (54 goals, 86 assists) in 167 appearances for Guildford, which represents a rare level of offensive production for such a defensively-sound player.
Carl Ackered, now of the Sheffield Steelers (Image: Dean Woolley)
Crucially, Ackered has found a way to sustain his form into his 30s.
He started the season by posting nine points (four goals, five assists) in 21 appearances for Slovan Bratislava and returns to the Elite League with plenty of fuel left in the tank.
Overall, he recorded 61 points (21 goals, 40 assists) in 71 Slovak Extraliga appearances.
He’s legit.
Ackered is a smart addition for the Steelers – in no small part because his status as a left-shooter rebalances a previously lopsided blueline.
You’re correct, the title race just intensified again.
