The Swedish Ice Hockey Association has completed its investigation into allegations of match-fixing in HockeyAllsvenskan, the country's second highest tier of professional hockey. In a game three nights ago between Björklöven and Mora, Björklöven was up 3-0 in the first, only to lose 8-4. Björklöven were the heavy favourites heading into the game, but the odds switched to Mora's favour in-game while they were still behind, causing betting sites to shut down betting and wait to pay out any winners.
"Björklöven Ice Hockey Club has been cleared of all suspicion of match-fixing by The Swedish Ice Hockey Association in connection with a game played against Mora on Monday," said the team on its official website. "The association has made public its findings following a thorough investigation into the matter."
"The investigation shows that deviations in betting odds movements occurred from manual error at a betting company. As a result, there is no suspicion whatsoever that Björklöven or any individual within Björklöven participated in match-fixing", states Abbe Törsleff, Swedish Ice Hockey Association's Head of Security.
Connor Ingram, a Nashville Predators prospect, was in net for Björklöven for five of Mora's comeback goals, leading many to wonder whether he was aware of, or possibly in on, any scheme to throw the game. All those suspicions can now be put to rest.
"Today's announcement, as well as yesterday's statement from Police that it is closing its investigation into the matter, have both come as a huge relief to Björklöven," said the team.
"We are Björklöven, and we'll rise again. Now it's time to look forward and focus on the challenges ahead, such as the upcoming game against AIK. I want to thank all those who have stood by our side through this," said Anders Blomberg, CEO of Björklöven.
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