Source close to Connor Ingram makes statement on allegations of cheating and game-fixing

You’ve heard quite a bit about this: a crazy story came out of Sweden in the last day after powerhouse Björklöven, which sits second overall in the league standings, was caught in allegations of match-fixing in the wake of a loss, as happened in the second-tier Swedish Allsvenskan on Monday night.

Chris Johnston of Sportsnet reveals more details on what took place and admits it is not too often the CEO of a professional hockey team has to immediately come out and address the allegations. CEO Anders Blomberg says he welcomes the investigation that was launched within hours of an 8-4 loss to Mora in which Björklöven surrendered eight straight goals after building a 3-0 lead.

What fans and pundits are finding troubling is that Björklöven entered the night as -130 favourites but only saw that extend to -150 while leading 3-1 after 10 minutes. 

“The odds were seemingly holding because of money coming in on Mora, although the betting companies themselves will have to be scrutinized as part of the investigation by the Swedish Ice Hockey Federation’s security department,” points out Johnston.

The investigation is underway and its result is especially important for Nashville Predators goalie prospect Connor Ingram, a former Canadian world junior player, who happened to be in net for Björklöven and allowed five goals on 14 shots before being removed. Things looked bad for the kid when he was reportedly sent packing right after the game, causing many folks to believe he was involved in the cheating and game-fixing scandal. 

Johnston has pointed out that the game was already set to be his final start of his loan agreement to the club. The reporter adds that several teams and players occasionally have bad nights, and some games just get away. 

On top of that, a source close to Ingram confirms that the situation “been sensationalized and that the facts will come out.” That source is reportedly close enough to know how Ingram feels about the whole thing. 

Björklöven is full cooperating with the investigation, which bodes well for the team and Ingram. Well, of course, it all depends what the result will be.

To be continued...