Swedish forward Johan Eriksson has been released by the Elite League’s Guildford Flames.
Eriksson recorded 11 points (five goals, six assists) in 18 appearances in all competitions for Paul Dixon’s side, who he joined in the offseason.
The 29-year-old arrived in the Elite League with an impressive record in Sweden’s second and third divisions, in which he totalled 347 appearances and 257 points (130, goals, 127 assists).
In the season before his transfer to Guildford, he notched 24 points (13 goals, 11 assists) in 45 appearances for Almtuna IS of the Allsvenskan.
Eriksson’s stint with the Flames was not his first experience outside his homeland.
In 2018-19, the Gävle-born forward scored four points (three goals, one assist) for Vilacher SV in Austria’s EBEL. In the next season, he registered 18 points (10 goals, eight assists) in 22 appearances for Chamonix in France’s Ligue Magnus.
“This is always the most difficult part of the job,” explained head coach Dixon, “especially in light of our early season success. We are carrying extra bodies so we will not play short on game night, but we do intend to make a roster addition in the near future. We wish Johan all the best going forward in his hockey career.”
Analysis: Guildford Flames part company with forward Johan Eriksson
Dixon and his Flames are in a commanding position at the top of the table.
They have built a four-point lead over the Sheffield Steelers at the summit and also lead the competition in points percentage.
Guildford’s impressive 13-2-1 record on the season has been constructed on the foundations of a dynamic offence.
Although they rank second in the league in goals scored, they have conceded almost twice as many as Aaron Fox’s stingy Steelers. As a result, Eriksson’s departure is a surprise. While the Swedish forward didn’t set the world alight for the Flames, he was on course to finish the season with 30 points (13 goals, 17 assists) according to a projection provided by Elite Prospects.
Eriksson also rarely found himself in the penalty box, committing just one minor infraction in his time in the Elite League. In other words, he was a solid contributor at the Elite League-level.
Guildford’s decision to part company with Eriksson speaks of Dixon’s confidence in his squad – and any new arrivals he has in the works. If it wasn’t already clear: the Flames mean business this term.
