Ackered returns to EIHL with Steelers

Photo: John Uwins

Defenseman Calle Ackered has returned to the Viaplay Elite League having been picked up by Sheffield Steelers ahead of the IIHF transfer deadline.

The 32-year-old spent three seasons with Guildford Flames from 2017-2020 notching over 150 points in 191 games. He then spent the 2020/21 season in Slovakia with Trenčin, before moving to Graz in the ICEHL. This year, he played 21 games for Slovan Bratislava back in Slovakia with nine points in 21 games. 

"Calle has spent a few years away playing some really good hockey in Slovakia and Austria. When he became available last week, we felt with the current injury situation with Piche and Mitchell - both currently on the IR and no real exact timetable of a return - we wanted to make sure we had enough cover in case they can’t come back fully healthy," explained Head Coach Arron Fox.

"We felt he’s just too good of a player to not bring in at this time. Calle is very good on the PP which we have had our struggles with and has an excellent shot. I feel he will fit into the group and give us another versatile player for the end of the season here".

Ackered could debut for the Steelers against Fife in the Viaplay Challenge Cup Semi-Final Second Leg on Wednesday night. The hosts go into the game a goal down on aggregate, but are on course to sell the game out with only 900 tickets left as of Monday afternoon.