Swedish Elite team releases Bissett

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STOCKHOLM, Sweden — Tom Bissett, perhaps the best American forward who ever played hockey in Sweden, has been released by Brynas of the Swedish Elite League.

Seattle native Bissett, who turned 36 on March 13, had one year remaining on his contract with the Swedish club.

"I've had six great years with Brynas and have no regrets," Bissett said. "I don't feel bitter."

He was a member of several championship youth teams based at Sno-King Ice Arena in Lynnwood.

Bissett, who played four seasons for Michigan Tech, was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings as an underclassman in 1986. He played in five NHL games, all during the 1990-91 season for the Red Wings.

Bissett helped Brynas win Swedish championships in 1993 and '99. One of Brynas' leading goal-scorers for several seasons, he had 14 goals and 15 assists but a poor plus-minus rating (minus-15) this season.

In 50 games during the 1998-99 season, Bissett scored 40 goals.

Bissett scored Brynas' first goal against the Colorado Avalanche in the American Airlines NHL Challenge in Stockholm on Sept. 17, beating Patrick Roy in the first period. The Stanley Cup champions won the game 5-2.