Latta debuted as a match hero in Färjestad

Representative Ville Leskinen was brought to Karlstad to score. No such claim is placed on substitute Michael Latta.

When Färjestad presented its latest acquisition, trainer Johan Pennerborn talked about character and "hard, wonderful job" in one of the less glamorous chain formations. The question is whether the role description reached the 28-year-old from St. Petersburg. Clements, Canada.

Sure, Latta was sweating in his debut in the SHL ice hockey - but he also showed that he has other qualities. The angle was half, but when the puck was in the cross behind Skellefteå's goalkeeper Mantas Armalis it didn't matter.

The Canadian's hit came after just under 18 minutes of play, meant 3-0 - and was more or less the match decision. Because even though Skellefteå started strongest, Färjestad by that team had already found the right twice. Victor Ejdsell steered in 1-0 and Daniel Viksten made a return to 2-0 in just over two minutes.

Gustav Rydahl then diluted to 4–0 and Färjestad got a reasonably comfortable trip up to three new points at the top of the SHL table.

Michael Latta has 117 NHL games with Washington on the track record and spent last season in Chinese Kunlun in the KHL.

Neither in the west nor the east has he made himself known for his offensive production. There were four goals in three seasons in the NHL and five in the KHL.

After the forward's first match this season, there is much to be said for a higher goal average in SHL.

Skellefteå kept pace with Färjestad in terms of play, but matches were not won with passes in the middle zone. The away team's consolation goal was made by Jonathan Puda and Joakim Lindström.