9 Point Sweep

Four teams this week were scheduled to play a full three games, but only one really took advantage of the packed schedule. Örebro came into the week on a three game losing streak and were looking at a busy schedule over the next seven days. If their woes continued it would've meant an even further fall down the standings, however they were determined to turn things around and find success. That's exactly what they did.

They kicked off the week with a tough contest against Skellefteå. The game was a high scoring, back and forth contest right up until the third period where Örebro pulled away. A three goal performance from Örebro was more than enough to secure their second win in as many games against Skellefteå this season. Robert Leino scored his fourth game winning goal of the season and second against Skellefteå.

Their success continued on Thursday night against Färjestad as they continued their homestand in front of a packed house at Berhn Arena. Despite a fairly uneventful first and second period the third period certainly made up for the slow start to the game. Färjestad scored early in the frame but, unfotunately for them, that was the only success they would have in the frame. Not long after the opening goal, Emil Larsson scored to tie it up. Before the end of the frame he would score two more for the single period hat trick. An additional goal by Philip Berglund gave Örebro the big 4-1 win and a two game win streak heading into the weekend.

Saturdays matchup against Malmö would see the momentum and high scoring continue for Örebro. Unlike their game on Thursday evening, they kicked off the game with a big first period that saw them ripple the mesh three times, twice by Mathias Bromé. Malmö would pull things back within one with a two goal second period but that is all the offence they would muster. Bromé completed the hat trick in the third period with an empty net goal to secure a 5-2 victory.

With the full nine points clinched this week Örebro has rocketed into first place in the standings with 23 points on the season, one point ahead of Leksand and Färjestad. They have another packed schedule coming up this week as all teams in the league will be playing three games in the upcoming seven days.

Weekly MVP

With his incredible three goal third period on Thursday evening and an assist in Örebros win against against Skellefteå on Tuesday night Emil Larsson is this week most valuable player. He now sits tied for second in goals scored this season with seven in thirteen games. His single point against Skellefteå on Tuesday was also his first assists of the season.

Off Ice News

LaLeggia

There was a big lateral move this week that stirred up a bit of controversy as Canadian Joey Laleggia was released from Timrå and picked up by HV71. Despite having a decent start to the season, LaLeggia confirmed that he was let go by Timrå, despite expressing a desire to remain with the team.

– I wanted to sign an extension with them. The truth is that this did not come from me. This came from Kimmo (Kapanen, sporting director), said LaLeggia

The Canadian defender was in his second season with Timrå. Last year he found offensive success, registering 38 points (9G 29A) in a full 52 game season. It didn't take long for Laleggia to find a new home in the SHL however, as HV71 announced the same day that they had signed him to a new contract.

– In Joey, we get an offensively skilled defender with a good first pass. He has gathered useful experience in Swedish hockey and will strengthen our back side. Joey has been a reliable scorer throughout his career and has also started this season strongly, says Kent Norberg, sports manager in HV71.

The new contract with HV71 is valid through 2025.

Lyytinen

The abrupt departure of LaLeggia may have had somehing to do with this next move that Timrå made this week. Soon after the LaLeggia news broke, Timrå confirmed that they had signed Finnish defender Joonas Lyytinen, who started the season with HIFK in Liiga.

– Everything went very quickly yesterday, but I am very excited to come and play in Timrå IK. This is a new start for me and I look forward to contributing to helping the team win games. said Lyytinen.

Pääjärvi

Timrå had themselves a very busy week in the player department as they also announced the signing of Magnus Pääjärvi. The 31 year old NHL veteran played just 17 games with Malmö last season but is looking to get back into the SHL with his former club. The Swede came up through Timrås junior organization and played two seasons with the big team before moving to the NHL in 2010.

– It's great fun to come back to where it all started for me. I have many good memories both on and off the ice in Timrå. Now I have a hell of an urge to play again and want to make this trip with Timrå. It feels really fun, says Pääjärvi.

– Magnus is a strong skater with offensive qualities. He is a power forward who wins battles and can create chances in the offensive game. The fact that he knows many people on the team and knows the association from before means that he will quickly adjust, says Kimmo Kapanen.

Weekly Highlights

Check out this weeks top goals: