NHL star Erik Karlsson invests in English football as part of new Burton Albion Ownership

Ice hockey star Erik Karlsson has confirmed his investment in League One minnows Burton Albion.

The 34-year old Swedish defenceman, who stars for Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL, is part of the Nordic Group, along with Minnesota Wild’s Norwegian winger Mats Zuccarelo, that bought ‘The Brewers’ at the start of the month and last week appointed former Chelsea development coach Mark Robinson as their new manager.

Karlsson, a confessed Arsenal fan, said: ‘I’ve always been a big fan of English football and now I have an extra reason to look forward to the start of the new season. 

‘I’m really excited to be part of the Burton Albion family as part of Nordic Football Group. 

‘This is a club with so much potential and I can’t wait to get over to the Pirelli Stadium to watch my first game in the stands there!’

The 34-year old Swedish defenceman is part of the Nordic Group that bought ‘The Brewers’

As their name suggests, the investors are a group from across the Nordic region including the two current NHL players.

One is former Bolton Wanderers player Olafur Pall Snorrason, from Iceland.

The other Norwegian sporting director Bendik Hareide – who is the son of ex Manchester City midfielder and current Iceland coach Age Hareide, who oversaw their victory over England at Wembley on Friday.