SHL Debut for Marcus Eriksson at 39 Years Old: "Crazy Unexpected"

Last season, the Vita Hästen product won the Allsvenskan scoring league as a Södertälje player.

During the Christmas period, Skellefteå's sports manager Erik Forsell called.

Marcus Eriksson had to double-check the phone number.

I thought this can't be true. So I had to check the number to make sure it was correct, he says with a laugh.

But it was for real. When last season was over, the unexpected transfer was presented, and Eriksson has signed a one-year contract with the championship team.

"It will get tougher"

After twelve seasons in Allsvenskan, eleven in the top division, and 917 points (343 goals) scored, it's now SHL.

I want to show that I can play at the SHL level. Then you're aware that it will get tougher, you meet better players, but you also play with better players. It should go well, says Eriksson, who has made 19 A-team seasons in his parent club Vita Hästen.

Eriksson says he had given up on the SHL dream.

Five-six years ago, I tried to find a way when I had a good season, but even then, many thought age was a problem, says Eriksson, who will be the oldest in SHL this season.

The strong season in Södertälje – he won the scoring league with 59 points (20 goals + 39 assists) – opened the door.

Thought of quitting

Four years ago, Eriksson had thoughts of quitting. The contract negotiations with Vita Hästen initially stalled, he wound down in Division 2 team Guts, but eventually, everything worked out.

He sees no end to his hockey career yet.

As long as I think it's fun and I feel that my body and head want it, I hope to play for a few more years.

Skellefteå has been a steady top team for the last 15 years and broke the final curse last spring by taking their first SM gold in ten years.

Now Eriksson sees the chance for a golden season.

It's maybe the biggest difference compared to previous winners that all the key players are still here, so there's a lot to build on, we have the chance to fight for the gold.

Do you have any point goals in SHL?

No, definitely not. I realize it would have been bloody arrogant to go in with the thought of scoring so many points. I try to focus on getting into Skellefteå's game and hope we win matches. That's most important to me, then we'll see if I manage to score some points here and there.

1. Marcus Eriksson, Skellefteå, 39 years old (1985-08-20).

2. Per Åslund, Färjestad, 38 (1986-08-21).

3. Linus Omark, Luleå, 37 (1987-02-05).

4. Patrik Zackrisson, Leksand, 37 (1987-03-27).

5. Lars Johansson, Frölunda, 37 (1987-07-11).

Source: eliteprospects.com.