VANCOUVER, B.C. - The Utica Comets announced that parent club Vancouver Canucks loaned veteran goaltender Richard Bachman to IK Oskarshamn of the SHL in Sweden.

With the loan, he is still eligible to be recalled back to the Canucks or Comets rosters this season.

The 32-year-old Denver native has only appeared in three games with the Comets this year, with Michael Dipietro and Zane McIntyre shouldering the most of the load in goal. He has a 1-1-1 record this season, with a 3.25 goals against average and a .909 save percentage.

Over five seasons in Utica, Bachman has compiled a record of 49-41-13 with a 2.89 goals-against average, a .901 save percentage and two shutouts.

Bachman's 105 appearances and 49 career wins with the Comets both rank second in franchise history.

"Bacher has been an exceptional player, person, and leader his entire time with the Canucks and Comets organizations," said Comets General Manager, Ryan Johnson. "Today's transaction is an opportunity for him to go play some games with IKO in the Swedish League on a loan basis. This is inevitably best for Richard in the short and long term."

In 49 career NHL games, Bachman is 20-18-2 with a 2.97 goals-against average and a .903 save percentage.