HIFK dropped contract news - snatched the best goalie selected from the SHL!

HIFK announces that it has signed a one-year contract with Swedish goalkeeper Tim Juel.

Juel, 31, has played the last five seasons in the SHL. He first represented IK Oskarshamn for two seasons, while the last three seasons have been spent at Timrå IK.

Juel was named the best goalkeeper in the SHL a year ago. At that time, Juel recorded a save percentage of 92.9 in 31 games with Timrå, coached by Olli Jokinen. During the same season, he also made it to the Swedish national team.

In the past season, Juel played 22 games for Timrå with a save percentage of 88.8.

– Tim is an incredibly tough competitor. That is definitely his greatest strength and the trait that has helped him break through in Sweden. Tim is a great player from a coaching perspective, who challenges himself both in games and in everyday life. Above all, he wants to help the team win, says HIFK’s goalkeeper coach Riku Helenius in the club’s announcement.

HIFK will have a Swedish goalkeeper tandem next season, as the familiar Hugo Alnefelt continues with the club.

– We are very satisfied with the goalkeeper situation for the upcoming season. We have two strong goalkeepers who can push each other. The competition is fundamentally even, but games won’t come for free. Responsibility will certainly be shared, but it also has to be earned. That was the starting point when we were looking for a goalkeeper, Helenius explains.

Completing HIFK’s goalkeeper trio for the upcoming season is Slovakian Rastislav Elias, 22, who has signed an extension with the club for next season. Elias played nine games in goal for HIFK last season.

– Rasto is technically at a good level. He is very eager to learn and interested in his own performance. A large, explosive, and very mobile goalkeeper. It is important for Rasto that we primarily find him as many games as possible so he can take responsibility and develop, Helenius says.