Skellefteå AIK
Encyclopedia
Skellefteå AIK Hockey is a Swedish
professional ice hockey
club from Skellefteå
, playing in the Swedish elite league Elitserien
.
SAIK was founded in 1921, although hockey was not played until 1943, with only training matches being played the first season. In season 1943-44 the club played in the local league Skellefteserien, which could not be finished due to unsuitable hockey weather as the games were played outdoors. In 1985 the club's hockey organization was detached and a pure hockey club with the name Skellefteå AIK Hockey was formed.
In 1955 SAIK qualified for the highest league in Sweden. Around this time the team was led by the so called "Mosquito Line", which consisted of Anders "Akka" Andersson, "Garvis" Määttä
and Kalle Hedlund
. In the 1957-58 season they won the Allsvenskan's northern group and later finished second in SM-serien, only one point behind the winner Djurgårdens IF
. SAIK then played in Division 1 North until 1967. The club had difficulties qualifying for continued play in the Division 1 series but in 1975 the series was won and SAIK later finished in fourth place in SM-serien. When the Swedish Elite League under the name Elitserien
was formed in 1975, SAIK was one of the teams participating.
In the 1977–78 regular season Martin Karlsson
led the league in goals and points while Hardy Nilsson
was the league's most penalized player. SAIK went on to win the playoffs led by a strong performance by Göran Lindblom
(five goals and four assists in five games), becoming Swedish champions in 1978, and in 1981 SAIK won the regular season series.
In 1989 SAIK was degraded but after 16 seasons of play in the Swedish second league (Allsvenskan) SAIK again qualified for the highest series and has played in Elitserien since 2006–07.
In their first year after qualifying from the Swedish second league to Elitserien, Skellefteå AIK became the best newcomer to Elitserien with 73 points in 55 games. At one point during the 2007–08 season Skellefteå led the league for the first time in 30 years, they also qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 1981 as the 8th seed. In the quarterfinals Skellefteå were beaten by the eventual champions HV71
by 4-1 in games. At the end of the 2008–09 season Skellefteå qualified for the playoffs again; In the quarterfinals Skellefteå defeated Linköpings HC
in 7 games, and in the series Skellefteå came back from a 1-3 deficit to win 4-3. In game seven Skellefteå won an overtime game that had gone to the 6th period (and thus had become the third longest playoff game in Elitserien history) by a goal by Kimmo Koskenkorva
. In the semifinals Skellefteå fell in four games to Färjestads BK
who went on to win the Swedish championship.
The following season, Skellefteå faced Färjestad in the playoffs once again, this time in the quarterfinals. Skellefteå won the series in seven games and went on to play HV71. HV won in five games on their way to become the 2010 champions.
Skellefteå had the three highest scoring players in the league in 2010–11
– Joakim Lindström
, Mikko Lehtonen
and David Rundblad
. In the playoffs Skellefteå made it to the finals for the first time in 33 years, but were defeated in five games by Färjestad.
These are the top-ten point-scorers in club history. Figures are updated after each completed season.
Note: Pos = Position; GP = Games Played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; P/G = Points per game; * = current Skellefteå AIK player
while playing for Skellefteå.
Sweden
Sweden , officially the Kingdom of Sweden , is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund....
professional ice hockey
Ice hockey
Ice hockey, often referred to as hockey, is a team sport played on ice, in which skaters use wooden or composite sticks to shoot a hard rubber puck into their opponent's net. The game is played between two teams of six players each. Five members of each team skate up and down the ice trying to take...
club from Skellefteå
Skellefteå
-Industry:*Boliden AB, a big mining and smelting company*Alimak*Natural User Interface Technologies AB - NUITEQ, a promising emerging technology start-up company-Sports:*Skellefteå AIK, an ice hockey team in the highest Swedish league, Elitserien....
, playing in the Swedish elite league Elitserien
Elitserien
Elitserien, is a professional ice hockey league composed of twelve teams in Sweden...
.
History
In 1955 SAIK qualified for the highest league in Sweden. Around this time the team was led by the so called "Mosquito Line", which consisted of Anders "Akka" Andersson, "Garvis" Määttä
Eilert Määttä
Yngve Eilert "Garvis" Määttä was a retired Swedish professional ice hockey player and coach. He played for Skellefteå AIK and Södertälje SK...
and Kalle Hedlund
Karl-Sören Hedlund
Karl-Sören "Kalle" Hedlund is a retired ice hockey forward. He's known for being a member of the "Mosquito Line" on Skellefteå AIK together with Anders Andersson and Eilert Määttä. While both Andersson and Määttä won World Championships gold, Kalle's highest accolade was a bronze medal in...
. In the 1957-58 season they won the Allsvenskan's northern group and later finished second in SM-serien, only one point behind the winner Djurgårdens IF
Djurgårdens IF Hockey
Djurgårdens IF Hockey are a professional ice hockey team based in Stockholm, Sweden. They are the ice hockey department of the sports club Djurgårdens IF. The department was formed in 1922 with the help of Wilhelm Arwe and have since then become Sweden's most successful team, having won the Swedish...
. SAIK then played in Division 1 North until 1967. The club had difficulties qualifying for continued play in the Division 1 series but in 1975 the series was won and SAIK later finished in fourth place in SM-serien. When the Swedish Elite League under the name Elitserien
Elitserien
Elitserien, is a professional ice hockey league composed of twelve teams in Sweden...
was formed in 1975, SAIK was one of the teams participating.
In the 1977–78 regular season Martin Karlsson
Martin Karlsson
Martin Karlsson, born 1952, is a retired Swedish ice hockey centre and currently the head coach of AaB Ishockey. As a player he became Elitserien champions for three consecutive seasons, with Brynäs IF in 1976 and 1977 and with Skellefteå AIK in 1978. Karlsson was also the Elitserien scoring leader...
led the league in goals and points while Hardy Nilsson
Hardy Nilsson
Hardy Nilsson is a retired Swedish ice hockey player, currently head coach for Djurgårdens IF. During his playing career he mainly played for Skellefteå AIK where he won the Swedish championships in 1978. In 1978 Nilsson moved to the German team Kölner Haie where he was very successful, scoring 21...
was the league's most penalized player. SAIK went on to win the playoffs led by a strong performance by Göran Lindblom
Göran Lindblom
Göran Lindblom is a retired Swedish ice hockey defenceman. Lindblom was the highest scoring Elitserien defenceman for three seasons which is a record that he shares with Magnus Johansson.-Career statistics:...
(five goals and four assists in five games), becoming Swedish champions in 1978, and in 1981 SAIK won the regular season series.
In 1989 SAIK was degraded but after 16 seasons of play in the Swedish second league (Allsvenskan) SAIK again qualified for the highest series and has played in Elitserien since 2006–07.
In their first year after qualifying from the Swedish second league to Elitserien, Skellefteå AIK became the best newcomer to Elitserien with 73 points in 55 games. At one point during the 2007–08 season Skellefteå led the league for the first time in 30 years, they also qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 1981 as the 8th seed. In the quarterfinals Skellefteå were beaten by the eventual champions HV71
HV71
HV71, often referred to as just HV, is a Swedish professional ice hockey club based in Jönköping, playing in the Swedish elite league Elitserien...
by 4-1 in games. At the end of the 2008–09 season Skellefteå qualified for the playoffs again; In the quarterfinals Skellefteå defeated Linköpings HC
Linköpings HC
Linköpings Hockey Club, often known by its acronym LHC or, colloquially among its fans, Cluben, is an ice hockey team from Linköping, Sweden....
in 7 games, and in the series Skellefteå came back from a 1-3 deficit to win 4-3. In game seven Skellefteå won an overtime game that had gone to the 6th period (and thus had become the third longest playoff game in Elitserien history) by a goal by Kimmo Koskenkorva
Kimmo Koskenkorva
Kimmo Koskenkorva is a Finnish professional ice hockey player currently with the Kärpät team in the Finnish SM-liiga league.- References :...
. In the semifinals Skellefteå fell in four games to Färjestads BK
Färjestads BK
Färjestads Bollklubb is a Swedish professional ice hockey team based in Karlstad. Färjestad has had 18 Swedish Championship final appearances, winning nine times since Elitserien was started in 1975. The team plays in the highest Swedish league, and have done so since 1965...
who went on to win the Swedish championship.
The following season, Skellefteå faced Färjestad in the playoffs once again, this time in the quarterfinals. Skellefteå won the series in seven games and went on to play HV71. HV won in five games on their way to become the 2010 champions.
Skellefteå had the three highest scoring players in the league in 2010–11
2010–11 Elitserien season
- HV71 vs. AIK:- Färjestads BK vs. Brynäs IF:- Skellefteå AIK vs. Linköpings HC:- Luleå HF vs. Djurgårdens IF:*Note: Game 6 was played in the Ericsson Globe.- Färjestads BK vs. AIK:...
– Joakim Lindström
Joakim Lindström
Joakim Lindström is a Swedish professional ice hockey forward currently playing for the Colorado Avalanche of the NHL.-Playing career:...
, Mikko Lehtonen
Mikko Lehtonen (ice hockey b. 1987)
Mikko Kristian Lehtonen is a Finnish ice hockey winger currently playing for Severstal Cherepovets of the Kontinental Hockey League.-Playing career:...
and David Rundblad
David Rundblad
David Rundblad is a Swedish professional ice hockey player. Rundblad is currently a member of the Ottawa Senators of the National Hockey League . Rundblad previously played for Skellefteå AIK in the Swedish Elitserien. Rundblad was drafted 17th overall by the St...
. In the playoffs Skellefteå made it to the finals for the first time in 33 years, but were defeated in five games by Färjestad.
Scoring leaders
As of August 2, 2010 http://www.eliteprospects.com/team_all-time_stats.php?team=22&alltime=TPThese are the top-ten point-scorers in club history. Figures are updated after each completed season.
Note: Pos = Position; GP = Games Played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; P/G = Points per game; * = current Skellefteå AIK player
| Player | Pos | GP | G | A | Pts | P/G |
| Pär Mikaelsson Pär Mikaelsson Pär Mikaelsson, born 1970, is a retired ice hockey player who spent sixteen seasons with Skellefteå AIK and holds the club record for career goals and career assists .... |
F | 547 | 212 | 253 | 465 | .85 |
| Johan Åkerman Johan Åkerman See Johan Gustav Åkerman for the economistJohan Åkerman is a professional Swedish ice hockey player, currently with Linköpings HC in the Swedish Elitserien.-External links:... |
D | 300 | 88 | 212 | 300 | 1.00 |
| Jörgen Wännström | F | 360 | 141 | 151 | 292 | .81 |
| Daniel Pettersson | F | 370 | 107 | 176 | 283 | .76 |
| Göran Lindblom Göran Lindblom Göran Lindblom is a retired Swedish ice hockey defenceman. Lindblom was the highest scoring Elitserien defenceman for three seasons which is a record that he shares with Magnus Johansson.-Career statistics:... |
D | 413 | 73 | 198 | 271 | .66 |
| Roland Stoltz | F | 361 | 132 | 133 | 265 | .73 |
| Anders Söderberg Anders Söderberg Anders Söderberg is a Swedish professional ice hockey player currently with Skellefteå AIK of Elitserien.Anders won the Rinkens Riddare in 2006-07.- References :... * |
LW | 297 | 100 | 154 | 254 | .86 |
| Johan Ramstedt | F | 417 | 94 | 146 | 240 | .58 |
| Thomas Hedin | F | 254 | 134 | 97 | 231 | .91 |
| Johnny Forsman | F | 380 | 118 | 105 | 223 | .59 |
Club individual records
- Most Goals in a season: Magnus WernblomMagnus WernblomMagnus Wernblom is a retired ice hockey forward who spent most of his active career playing for Modo Hockey in the Swedish Elitserien league, where he holds the franchise scoring record for most all-time goals as well as the franchise record for most games played...
, 37 (2005–06) - Most Assists in a season: Johan ÅkermanJohan ÅkermanSee Johan Gustav Åkerman for the economistJohan Åkerman is a professional Swedish ice hockey player, currently with Linköpings HC in the Swedish Elitserien.-External links:...
, 46 (2005–06) - Most Points in a season: Martin KarlssonMartin KarlssonMartin Karlsson, born 1952, is a retired Swedish ice hockey centre and currently the head coach of AaB Ishockey. As a player he became Elitserien champions for three consecutive seasons, with Brynäs IF in 1976 and 1977 and with Skellefteå AIK in 1978. Karlsson was also the Elitserien scoring leader...
, 63 (1977–78) - Most Penalty Minutes in a season: Joakim LindströmJoakim LindströmJoakim Lindström is a Swedish professional ice hockey forward currently playing for the Colorado Avalanche of the NHL.-Playing career:...
, 134 (2010–11) - Most Points in a season, defenseman: Johan ÅkermanJohan ÅkermanSee Johan Gustav Åkerman for the economistJohan Åkerman is a professional Swedish ice hockey player, currently with Linköpings HC in the Swedish Elitserien.-External links:...
, 61 (2005–06) - Most Shutouts in a season: Johan BacklundJohan BacklundJohan Backlund is a Swedish professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League .-Playing career:...
, 8 (2002–03)
Other Notable Players
- Jan ErixonJan ErixonJan Erixon is a former professional ice hockey player. Erixon was the thirtieth overall pick in the second round by the New York Rangers in the 1981 NHL Entry Draft. He began his NHL career with the Rangers in the 1983–84 season, and played with them through the 1992–93 season...
- Jonathan HedströmJonathan HedströmJonathan "Jonte" Hedström is a Swedish professional ice hockey left winger with Timrå IK of the Elitserien .- Playing career :...
- Peter HelanderPeter HelanderHans Peter Helander is a retired professional hockey player who played seven games for the Los Angeles Kings in the National Hockey League.-External links:...
- Mats LindgrenMats LindgrenMats Lindgren is a former Swedish professional ice hockey forward. He was selected in the first round of the 1993 NHL Entry Draft, 15th overall, by the Winnipeg Jets, although he never had the opportunity to play for them.Despite versatility and a good on-ice work ethic, Lindgren never lived up...
- Eilert MäättäEilert MäättäYngve Eilert "Garvis" Määttä was a retired Swedish professional ice hockey player and coach. He played for Skellefteå AIK and Södertälje SK...
- Hardy NilssonHardy NilssonHardy Nilsson is a retired Swedish ice hockey player, currently head coach for Djurgårdens IF. During his playing career he mainly played for Skellefteå AIK where he won the Swedish championships in 1978. In 1978 Nilsson moved to the German team Kölner Haie where he was very successful, scoring 21...
- Magnus WernblomMagnus WernblomMagnus Wernblom is a retired ice hockey forward who spent most of his active career playing for Modo Hockey in the Swedish Elitserien league, where he holds the franchise scoring record for most all-time goals as well as the franchise record for most games played...
First round NHL Entry Draft picks
Players who were drafted in the first round of the NHL Entry DraftNHL Entry Draft
The NHL Entry Draft is an annual meeting in which every franchise of the National Hockey League systematically select the rights to available amateur ice hockey players who meet draft eligibility requirements...
while playing for Skellefteå.
- 19931993 NHL Entry DraftThe 1993 NHL Entry Draft took place on June 26, 1993, at the Colisee de Quebec in Quebec City, Quebec.-Selections by round:Club teams are located in North America unless otherwise specified.-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:...
: Mats LindgrenMats LindgrenMats Lindgren is a former Swedish professional ice hockey forward. He was selected in the first round of the 1993 NHL Entry Draft, 15th overall, by the Winnipeg Jets, although he never had the opportunity to play for them.Despite versatility and a good on-ice work ethic, Lindgren never lived up...
, 15th Overall, Winnipeg Jets - 20092009 NHL Entry DraftThe 2009 NHL Entry Draft was the 47th Entry Draft. It was held on June 26–27, 2009 at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec. The Draft was part of the Montreal Canadiens centennial celebrations. National Hockey League teams took turns selecting amateur ice hockey players from junior, collegiate, or...
: David RundbladDavid RundbladDavid Rundblad is a Swedish professional ice hockey player. Rundblad is currently a member of the Ottawa Senators of the National Hockey League . Rundblad previously played for Skellefteå AIK in the Swedish Elitserien. Rundblad was drafted 17th overall by the St...
, 17th Overall, St. Louis BluesSt. Louis BluesThe St. Louis Blues are a professional ice hockey team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The team is named after the famous W. C. Handy song "St. Louis Blues", and plays in the 19,150-seat Scottrade... - 2009: Tim ErixonTim ErixonTim Erixon is a Swedish professional ice hockey defenceman for the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League . He was acquired in a 2011 trade with the Calgary Flames whom selected him in the first round, 23rd overall, in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Erixon has previously played for Skellefteå...
, 23rd Overall, Calgary FlamesCalgary FlamesThe Calgary Flames are a professional ice hockey team based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is the third major-professional ice hockey team to represent the city of Calgary, following the... - 20112011 NHL Entry DraftThe 2011 NHL Entry Draft was the 49th NHL Entry Draft. It was held on June 24–25, 2011, at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota. It was the first time the Draft was held in the state of Minnesota since the Minnesota North Stars hosted the 1989 NHL Entry Draft.The top three picks consisted...
: Adam LarssonAdam LarssonAdam Larsson is a Swedish professional ice hockey defenceman for the New Jersey Devils. He also played for Skellefteå AIK in Elitserien since 2009. He was selected 4th overall by the New Jersey Devils in the 2011 NHL Draft...
, 4th Overall, New Jersey DevilsNew Jersey DevilsThe New Jersey Devils are a professional ice hockey team based in Newark, New Jersey, United States. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...