Ice hockey star Erik Karlsson has confirmed his investment in League One club Burton Albion, joining forces with the Nordic Group to acquire the team. The 34-year-old Swedish defenseman, a standout for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the NHL, is excited to be part of the new ownership group alongside Minnesota Wild’s Norwegian winger Mats Zuccarello.

Karlsson, an avid Arsenal fan, expressed his enthusiasm for English football and his eagerness to see the start of the new season. He stated, “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.”

The Nordic Group consists of investors from across the Nordic region, including current NHL players and former professional footballers. Among them are Olafur Pall Snorrason, a former Bolton Wanderers player from Iceland, and Norwegian sporting director Bendik Hareide, son of ex-Manchester City midfielder and current Iceland coach Age Hareide, who led Iceland to a recent victory over England at Wembley.

Karlsson is eager to visit the Pirelli Stadium and watch his first game as part of the new ownership group. This investment showcases the appeal of English football to international investors and the growing intersection between ice hockey and football.

Ice hockey star Erik Karlsson (R) has confirmed his investment in League One club Burton Albion

The 34-year-old Swedish defenseman is part of the Nordic Group that acquired Burton Albion