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NHLGamers, We’re closing in on the eSHL season and are about one month away from puckdrop and with that the time has come to announce yet another participating team. Linköping HC hails from the south of Sweden and has signed the very prestigious roster of FILADELPHIA. The team is regarded mostly as a Finnish group but their roster actually holds two Swedes as Joel @jtorro1233 Tourunen and the newest acquisition Casper @ICappeI Lundgren are sporting their colors. This acquisition raises the stakes significantly and is a great boost to the competitiveness of the entire league, as the former FILADELPHIA dominated the game in several ways during NHL 19 and has continued staying at the top in NHL 20 despite not quite reaching similar levels of success. Their star studded offense certainly needs no introductions with multi-champion Erik @Eki Tammenpää flanking the right side, “Mr. Selke” Joonas @Juunas Paatiala centering and the prodigal son turned seasoned and decorated veteran Paul @PleeMaker Arontie on the left. This trio will look to continue wreaking havoc now in the fresh colors of Linköping HC. "This acquisition shows that we mean business when entering the esports scene. We truly want our team to compete at the top level and show up when the brightest trophies are being dealt. There's no doubt that Casper together with his team will represent the LHC lion with pride and lead the way for our entry into esports", says Michael Sturehed, marketing manager at Linköping Hockey Club. Linköping Hockey Club roster: GOALTENDER #72 Casper @ICappeI Lundgren 🇸🇪 DEFENSEMEN #27 Aleksi @loimmu Loimuvirta 🇫🇮 #40 Joel @jtorro1233 Tourunen 🇸🇪 #88 Joonas @SUPERVIRTA Virta 🇫🇮 FORWARDS #25 Erik @Eki Tammenpää 🇫🇮 #44 Paul @PleeMaker Arontie 🇫🇮 #86 Joonas @Juunas Paatiala 🇫🇮 The newest face in the team is also a very experienced player and is one of the most highly regarded Swedish talents playing the game currently. Goaltender Cappe joined the team on September 17th and has been as solid as ever in his new jersey since the transfer. Cappe was also one of the main facilitators in signing with Linköping, so we caught up with him for a chat about the situation: What was it about Linköping that enticed you the most? Ever since our first contact, Linköping impressed us with their attitude towards esports and their ambitions with this project. They sold the idea that this project will be a big part of the club and the LHC family going forward. We're also very honored to be representing a club with a great history of developing talented players and outstanding individuals. Despite you and Torro representing the club, FILADELPHIA is generelly regarded as a Finnish team. Were you set on participating in eSHL right froom the get go? Most definitely. As soon as information about the eSHL reached us, we made a decision to reach out to some teams and enquire about their interests. Sweden isn't that heavily represented at the top of the European standings, so we felt that we are in a great spot going into the negotiations. In my opinion it's interesting to see teams like for example Luleå, with varying nationalities competing at the top. You recently assumed the role as the number one goalkeeper of FILADELPHIA after a long watch under the duo @sibeelius & @FinKonna. How has playing for you new team felt and was the transfer something that was planned long ahead? The transfer discussions happened rather quickly after our run in IS Cup 4. Sibe and Konna surely left me some big boots to fill, but I feel we've been doing great and the boys are making it comfortable to play behind them. Since day one, I've felt very welcome and a part of the team. It's not hard to feel right at home with a captain like @Juunas, what a great guy he is! The new league must be something of a dream come true for a Swedish competitive player. How does it feel to be one of the very best domestic talents in the league and what kind of goals have you set personally for the upcoming season? It's something we've been dreaming about for sure. Personally, I'm going to do everything in my power to win every game I play. I've got a winning mentality and losing is the absolute worst thing I know. As a team we're incredibly hyped about eSHL and will obviously be looking to put a trophy on the shelf at the end of the season. Currently the team stands second in the regular season of ECL 9 Elite and will be playing their last two games tonight against Luleå Hockey. Linköping has a chance to overtake their sweet rival HAVU Gaming for a number one seed going into the playoffs whereas Luleå is looking to secure a favorable matchup for their first round opponent. At the time of posting this article, you can head over to twitch.tv/I_Eki_I or twitch.tv/luleahockeyto watch the game.