Story Summary
HV71 will be without goaltender Felix Sandström for their away game against IF Björklöven in Umeå.
Sandström has suffered a minor overuse injury and is being assessed day to day, according to HV71 doctor Jonas Kalman. The club therefore faces the Björklöven fixture without the netminder who started its league opener against Malmö Redhawks on 19 September.
Herman Liv is set to make a third consecutive start for HV71. Liv played the following matches against Skellefteå and Växjö after Sandström appeared in the opener.
Key Facts
- Felix Sandström, HV71’s goaltender, will miss the away match against IF Björklöven in Umeå.
- HV71 doctor Jonas Kalman described Sandström’s issue as a minor overuse injury, with a day-to-day prognosis.
- Björklöven host HV71 at Visionite Arena.
- Herman Liv is set for his third straight start for HV71.
- Sandström started HV71’s league opener against Malmö Redhawks on 19 September 2026, while Liv played against Skellefteå and Växjö.
IHM Discussion
The immediate effect is a continuation rather than a complete change in goal for HV71. Liv has already played the club’s two matches since the Malmö opener, and the Björklöven game would extend that sequence to three starts.
Sandström’s status remains short-term rather than definitive. A day-to-day assessment does not establish a timetable beyond the current absence, but it means HV71 will monitor his response before determining when he can return to the match squad. The club has identified the issue as overuse, without detailing a longer absence or a specific return date.
For Liv, the fixture represents another opportunity to carry the starting role during Sandström’s absence. The available information does not indicate any permanent change to HV71’s goaltending plans; it establishes only that Sandström is unavailable for this game and that Liv is expected to start again.
Why It Matters
Goaltender availability is particularly significant because HV71 are dealing with the issue during the opening phase of the SHL schedule. Sandström opened the league campaign for the club, but Liv has taken the subsequent starts and is now expected to continue against Björklöven.
The key point for HV71 is the limited certainty around Sandström’s recovery. The medical update gives a day-to-day prognosis, so the club has confirmed neither a longer lay-off nor a date for his return. Until there is a further update, Liv’s consecutive-start run is the clearest immediate consequence of Sandström’s absence.