ICE HOCKEY: YOUNG Swedish defenceman Gustav Ahnelöv has become the latest man to sign up to Coventry Blaze’s 2017/18 EIHL campaign.
The 21-year-old – standing at 6′ 0″ tall – joins Blaze following two years with the SHL’s Karlskrona HK where he made 15 appearances.
Throughout last season, the right-shooter spent time on loan to VIK Västerås and IK Oskarshamn of the high-calibre HockeyAllsvenskan – Swedish second-tier – playing 43 times and registering nine points.
Ahnelöv also comes to the UK with 129 appearances and 54 points at the Junior-20 SuperElit level and 84 games – 26 points – at Junior-18 in his home-country with Karlskrona HK, HV71 and Djurgårdens.
Blaze coach Danny Stewart admitted the deal to bring Ahnelöv to Blaze happened ‘very quickly’ and said he couldn’t be happier to bring the youngster in.
He added: “Having already played 15 SHL games and a full season in the Allsvenskan at the age of 21 is very impressive.
“He has good size, skates very well and is very sound at both ends of the ice.
“What we also liked was his grit. He competes and doesn’t shy away from the physicality of the game which will help in his transition to our league.”
Ahnelöv said: “I have heard a lot of good things about the British Elite League and it seems like a fun league to play in.
“I am a player who will give it 100 per cent every night. I make good plays from my own end and try to contribute in the offensive zone too.
“I look forward to joining the club and getting the season started.”
