NEW Belfast Giants forward Henrik Eriksson says he is eager to bring goals to the SSE Arena after joining the defending Elite League champions for the remainder of the season from Norwegian side Lillehammer.
The 27-year-old Swede - who can play centre or wing - is a proven goalscorer at every level he has played at having scored at least 20 goals in each of his last four seasons with the club and netted 14 in 29 games in the Fjordkraft-Ligaen before moving to Belfast.
For the offensively inconsistent Giants, Eriksson’s arrival could hardly be timed better as he will provide them with another scoring threat up front as they look to retain both their League and Challenge Cup titles this season.
The former Swedish Hockey League prospect said: “That’s what I want to bring, some goals. I want to produce. If you shoot a lot, then you score! I hope it’ll be easy in Belfast too! I’ll try to find my spot and try to bring some experience to make the powerplay or penalty kill better. I’ve watched some highlights and hopefully it’ll be easy.
“Being able to compete for a championship is something I’ve looked to find, and now I’ve found it. I want to be a champion.”
After knocking them out of the Challenge Cup last week, the Giants will have to guard against a revenge mission from the Nottingham Panthers as the English side return to the SSE Arena for a double-header tonight and tomorrow (both 7pm face-offs).
It’s a new system for Eriksson to learn where every game matters as opposed to building for the play-offs like in every other league.
“Adam (Keefe, above) told me yesterday that all the games are like a play-off game, so that’ll be interesting!” adds Eriksson.
Returning netminder Tyler Beskorowany should make his season debut in one of the two games against the Panthers, with Jackson Whistle likely to start the other, however December’s player of the month Peyton Jones has also made a strong case.
The Giants are likely to have defenceman Gabe Bast and centreman Donovan Neuls back in the line-up, while one of Mack Stewart or Sean Norris could see ice time.
Meanwhile, winger Darik Angeli has left the Giants after the arrival of Eriksson. The 32-year-old American scored just seven goals and 16 points in 31 games this season.
