SWEDISH forward Niklas Ottosson intends to grasp his opportunity after being handed a 30-day try-out with Blaze.
The 23-year-old has been playing for Solihull Barons in the National Ice Hockey League, posting 32 points in seven games.
Ottosson is a product of the HC Vita Hasten junior system and played 129 times for them in Division One, registering 36 points (14 goals and 22 assists) in two spells.
He also helped them to promotion to the Allsvenskan – the second tier – in 2013/14 after returning from a year with Lindloven, enjoying his best scoring season by accumulating 50 points (22 goals and 28 assists) in 40 games.
“With Eggy (Mike Egener) going to be out a little longer than we expected we needed some short-term cover, particularly with the three-in-three this weekend.” said Blaze head coach Marc Lefebvre.
“Niklas had his first practice with us yesterday and he looked good. He skates well, he stick handles well, he is smart and good on the puck.
“It gives us another skilled player up front and it is a great chance for him and we will re-evaluate where we are after 30 days.
Spark needed
“It’s a kick up the backside to try and get some of the guys going and a spark which is needed.
“Hopefully it will jump-start a few guys and it tells them that no-one is safe and they need to earn their minutes. The intensity in practice yesterday was there and we need to carry that into games.”
Ottosson will make his debut in Friday’s Rapid Solicitors Elite League trip to Fife Flyers and his first home appearance will be against Edinburgh Capitals on Sunday (5.15pm face-off).
First practice
Having had his first practice with the team on Tuesday, he added: “I am very excited and I appreciate the opportunity as I want to play at a good level.
“The first practice went all right, it was a change of tempo compared to Solihull but the same as I was playing in Sweden.
“I have a one-month try-out and I will do my best to show that I want this. It is a big opportunity to show myself.”
Turn inside to read how Blaz got on after another busy weekend which saw LeFebvre’s side in action in both the Elite League and Challenge Cup.
