Swedish Defenceman Kalle Allner has signed for Cardiff Fire.

Allner, 22, makes his debut for Fire in their opening National Ice Hockey League match of the season, against Invicta Dynamos at Ice Arena Wales on Saturday (6.30pm).

“Kalle is going to be an extremely good player in this league,” says head coach Mark Cuddihy. “We moved quickly to secure his signature after he had a try-out with us on Tuesday.

“We were really impressed. He’s a great skater and has a good skill level.

“Defensively he is really solid and will offer a lot to our offence as well. He hadn’t skated much this summer so it’s frightening to know he’s going to get better than this. He’s in really good shape and I believe Kalle is going to be a fantastic signing for us.”

Fire have an affiliation to Cardiff Devils, a link which gives Elite League season ticket holders a £2 reduction on match tickets (see prices below).

Allner has committed to Fire for the 2017-18 season. He has an excellent pedigree in hockey, having played in the top Swedish junior leagues at under-18 and under-20 levels for Nynashamns IF and Huddinge IK.

While still a junior player, Allner stepped up to represent the Nynashamns senior team in the Swedish Division Two and made 28 appearances.

Last season Kalle, a strong two-way defenceman with great offensive upside, good hands and quick feet, played 31 times for Nynashamns in Division Two, scoring four goals with 11 assists.

Fire are now playing in the second tier of British ice hockey and their first National League fixture is against Invicta Dynamos in Cardiff Bay on Saturday. The Kent club visit Ice Arena Wales in Cardiff Bay (6.30pm), while Fire, whose main sponsors are Premier Taxis, travel to play Streatham on Sunday.

Match tickets will be on sale at Ice Arena Wales before face-off on Saturday. Cardiff Devils season ticket holders can buy adult tickets for £7, which is a £2 reduction on the full price.

The full cost of tickets is adults £9, children £1, families (2 adults plus children) £20.