IHM Client Jesper Alasaari Signs With Guildford EIHL

by Chris White

International Hockey Management is proud to announce that client, and Swedish defenseman, Jesper Alasaari has signed with the Guildford Flames of the UK's Elite Ice Hockey League. The left shot from Karlskoga was born December 27, 1995. Alasaari stands 6'3 and weighs 216 pounds. Jesper's parent club is Bofors IK, and last year, he played for BIK Karlskoga in Sweden's HockeyAllsvenskan.

Alasaari spent last season with BIK Karlskoga, prior to a brief loan to Lindlövens IF in HockeyEttan. In 23 Games Played for Karlskoga, Alasaari compiled a stat line of 1G-2A-3PTS-16PIMS. In 4 Games Played for Lindlövens, Alasaari recorded 4 Points. The rugged defender is a veteran of 80 HockeyAllvenskan games, in Sweden's second-highest professional league. Alasaari has also played 2 Games in the SHL, the top league. He is a youth product of Bofors IK, and eventually made his way into the Färjestad BK organization, where he played J20 SuperElit, and made his SHL debut. Alasaari played for Värmland at TV-pucken, the country's prestigious tournament for the top 15 year olds in each region.

Las year, the EIHL was unable to complete a full and normal season. The previous season, in 2019-2020, the EIHL playoffs were cancelled. Thus, it's been two full seasons since Guildford's last playoff run, which resulted in a 2018-2019 EIHL Semifinals loss. The Flames will be entering their fourth season of EIHL play, after five championships at the lower level. The team plays their games at the Guildford Spectrum, which is less than 30 miles southwest of London. The team has already signed one other Swede; goaltender Kevin Lindskoug.

Jesper said,

I'm really excited to come and join Guildford Flames. It will also be the first time playing hockey outside of Sweden for me, which is something I’ve always wanted so I’m really grateful that I got this opportunity. I cannot wait to meet my new teammates, coaches, supporters and everyone involved in Guildford Flames.

Flames Head Coach, Paul Dixon, added,

From what we have seen of Jesper he is a really solid all around defenseman. He is mobile, he can carry and move the puck, he knows where to find spots to support his partner, and he just makes a lot of simple, sensible plays to keep us out of trouble. He is also a bigger guy and can play the physical side of the game. We are happy that he has made the decision to join us, and we are looking forward to getting him settled into his new team when he gets here in September.

International Hockey Management President, Chris White, commented,

Jesper is a big, physical defenseman that does a good job of winning battles and moving pucks to his team's skill players. The EIHL should be a good fit for him, and we expect him to re-discover more of his offensive game for Guildford. This is a whole new experience for Jesper, and we are excited to see what comes of this opportunity and which doors it can unlock in the future.