Story Summary
Frölunda have given an update after Tuesday evening’s shootout win, during which Erik Thorell and Nicklas Lasu left the ice and did not return. Thorell collided with Axel Bergkvist in the second period and, having only just returned to match play following wrist surgery in spring, appears likely to follow a stepwise concussion return process, head coach Robert Ohlsson said. Ohlsson added that he sympathised with Thorell. Normann left during the warm-up and will not be available for this week’s games against Luleå and Malmö, though he could return afterwards. Lasu is day-to-day. Junior William Thegerström was called in as the second goaltender.
Key Facts
- Erik Thorell collided with Axel Bergkvist in the second period and did not return to the match.
- Thorell had been making his first return to match play since wrist surgery in the spring.
- Head coach Robert Ohlsson said it appears Thorell will follow a stepwise concussion return process, adding: “I sympathise with Erik.”
- Thorell, a Färjestad youth product, recorded an assist before the collision ended his match.
- Nicklas Lasu also left the game, while Normann departed during the warm-up.
- During pre-game warm-up the club’s named goalkeeper stepped off and junior William Thegerström was summoned as the second goaltender.
- Ohlsson said Normann is not available for this week’s matches versus Luleå and Malmö but may be back after that.
- Ohlsson described Lasu as having ” taken a blow” and assessed him as day-to-day, adding Lasu might be able to play against Luleå.
IHM Discussion
Frölunda’s update concerns Thorell, Normann and Lasu following Tuesday’s shootout win. Thorell had just returned to match play after wrist surgery when he collided with Axel Bergkvist. Robert Ohlsson said it appears that Thorell will follow a stepwise concussion return process, a cautious path without a stated return timetable.
Normann will miss this week’s fixtures, so Frölunda must cover his minutes against Luleå and Malmö. Lasu remains day-to-day, with Ohlsson leaving open the possibility that he could play against Luleå.
Why It Matters
Thorell’s setback interrupts his first match back after wrist surgery, in which he recorded an assist before leaving the ice. His status will require careful management. Normann’s confirmed absence for this week’s two fixtures leaves Frölunda to adjust their forward group, while Lasu’s day-to-day status keeps selection options open. Thegerström’s call-up as backup during the warm-up also underlined the immediate need for depth in goal.
Mini Q&A
Which Frölunda player may need to follow a stepwise concussion return process?
Robert Ohlsson said it appears Erik Thorell will follow a stepwise concussion return process after his collision.
What happened to Thorell earlier in the game?
Thorell collided with Axel Bergkvist in the second period; he had recorded an assist before the collision and did not return to the match.
Who will miss this week’s matches for Frölunda?
Ohlsson said Normann is not available for this week’s matches against Luleå and Malmö; Nicklas Lasu is day-to-day and might be available against Luleå.
Who was called in as Frölunda’s backup during the warm-up?
Junior William Thegerström was called in as the second goaltender after the club’s named goalkeeper stepped off during warm-up.
What Comes Next
Frölunda face Luleå and Malmö this week. Ohlsson has ruled Normann out for both fixtures, while Lasu is day-to-day and could yet be available against Luleå. Thorell’s status will be monitored after the collision.