WEEKLY RECAP: LAKERS LEGEND CALLS IT A CAREER

Josefsson

It's not often you see a player spend almost their entire career with the same organisation, however Erik Josefsson is one such example. Joining the Växjö Lakers in the 2008/09 season, he would remain there for the rest of his playing days. But this past week he has decided to hang up his skates and retire. 

- There have been many thoughts back and forth. The thoughts started already when we started last year's season and the longer the time has passed, combined with the fact that I had to finish with a SM gold, I have landed in a decision to end my hockey career and move on to new adventures, says Josefsson

The 36 year old has had a stellar career in Växjö. He helped get them promoted from Hockey Allsvenskan in 2011 and would go on to play 12 seasons, 607 regular season games, 101 playoff games and would win four Swedish championships with the Lakers. 

Hansson

A familiar face will be behind the bench in Rögle next season as Roger Hansson has been named an assistant coach. Hansson is no stranger to Rögle as he is a former captain, manager and coach. He has spent the past four seasons abroad, three with EV Zug in Switzerland as the Director of Player Development and this past season he was the head coach of Dusseldorfer EG in Germany. 

- It feels great to be back. I also think it's an exciting position for me to enter. Partly in view of the fact that there was perhaps a slight drop in results last season, but also that the squad looks very exciting. We have every opportunity to do something really good next season, says Hansson 

Lehtonen

Despite the fact that MoDo recently signed young goaltender Pontus Eltonius, they have signed another goalkeeper this week. It has been announced that Eltonius will be loaned to Frisk Asker in Norway and Lassi Lehtinen will be sharing duties between the pipes with Olle Eriksson. The 24 year old Lehtinen will be getting his first taste of Swedish hockey as he has spent his entire career, so far, in Finland. 

- A young goalkeeper who, despite his age, already has a lot of experience, both from a high level at home in Finland and from international play, says MoDo sports director Henrik Gradin

Lehtinen played a staggering 52 games with TPS this past season where he posted a 1.85 GAA and a .921 SV%.

Dvorský

Oskarshamn has scored themselves a talented young prospect this week as they have signed 18 year old Dalibor Dvorský. The young Slovakian is expected to be a top ten pick in this weeks NHL entry draft and has signed a two year contract with Oskarshamn. 

- A very all-round player who has an incredible amount of hockey in him. He is a high caliber player who is only getting better and better. I watched him in the first Stockholm derby last season and thought he was the best on the pitch. It is a very exciting player who is coming here, says Oskarshamn's sporting director Thomas Fröberg

Dalibor spent the past two seasons with AIK as part of both their junior squad and main team. 

HV71

HV71 has parted ways with two players this week as it has been confirmed that neither Joey LaLeggia or Filip Westerlund will be returning next season. 

LaLeggia joined the team early last season after coming over from Timrå. The 31 year old Canadian scored 16 goals and added 17 assists from the blue line. 

- I have had a dialogue with Joey for some time and he has expressed a desire to play abroad. For us, it is important that we have players who one hundred percent want to be in HV71 and therefore we have come to the conclusion not to stop Joey's wish and that the contract is broken, says HV71's sports director Kent Norberg.

Just like LaLeggia, Westerlund also came over from Timrå this season, however he only appeared in 18 games with HV71 and was loaned to Finnish team Ilves.

- Filip had limited ice time during the season , he needs to be with a club that can offer him a different role, says Norberg.

It is uncertain where Westerlund will play next year, but LaLeggia has signed with HC Lugano in Switzerland.