In his first CHL game, Bill Sweatt had a big game for Lulea Hockey, recording 2 assists in regulation time and then scoring 2 goals in the shootout for the win over Lukko Rauma.

by Anders Lundqvist

LULEA – This off-season, Lulea Hockey acquired Bill Sweatt, a 26-year-old American left winger who has a little bit of NHL experience, but has played the past two seasons in the SHL with Brynas, where he has shown a knack for scoring goals. In his first Champions Hockey League game, Saturday against Lukko Rauma, he was certainly productive – he had 2 assists during regulation time and then scored twice in the shootout, including the winner in the sixth round. He spoke after the game.

Overall, how would you describe the game?

“It was plenty of ups and downs in our game. We had some good parts, and some parts that weren't that good, especially in the first period. We weren't ready from the start, I don't know why. They came out flying, and we came out flat.” 

What about the fact that Lukko had three 5-on-3 advantages in the game? 

“I’ve never seen that in a game before. The good thing about it is that we killed two out of three of them. That pretty much speaks for itself regarding our penalty kill.” 

This was your first CHL game. What did you think?

“It sure is interesting. I would have been involved my first year in Brynas (in the European Trophy) but I was hurt the entire pre-season so I couldn't play. You get to play good teams from several different good European leagues. It comes together in the end when you get to play for that championship and see who's the best team in Europe. It’s something our team take a lot of pride in, everybody really wants to win.” 

You've played in Sweden a few years now. Do you notice anything different playing against a Finnish team? 

“I feel like that there’s a difference between Swedish and Finnish teams. They forecheck so hard and punish the defencemen real hard.” 

Finally, could you describe your shootout-winning goal? 

“The first time I came in fast, so I figured I should change it up a little bit the second time. I came in slow and the goalie didn't move at all. I realized I had to force him to make the first move, I faked the shot and and he dropped down a bit. After that I just had to make a small move to the side and I had an empty net.”