Story Summary
Frisk Asker face Ringerike Panthers at Schjongshallen in an EliteHockey Ligaen fixture, with puck drop scheduled for 16.00. It is Frisk Asker’s first top-flight visit to Hønefoss since the 2023-24 season, after Ringerike returned to the league following relegation in spring 2024.
Michael Haga will not play after suffering a finger injury. With Haga absent, Fredrik Bjørndal will wear Frisk Asker’s gold helmet as the side’s joint-leading scorer. Bjørndal has 13 points from seven goals and six assists, level with Haga.
The game brings together two clubs in contrasting recent form. Ringerike have lost four of their last five matches and sit sixth with 12 points, while Frisk Asker have won four of five and are second on 22 points.
Key Facts
- Ringerike Panthers host Frisk Asker at Schjongshallen, with puck drop scheduled for 16.00.
- Ringerike returned to the EliteHockey Ligaen after being relegated in spring 2024.
- Ringerike have lost four of their previous five games and stand sixth with 12 points.
- Michael Haga will miss the game because of a finger injury.
- Fredrik Bjørndal will wear Frisk Asker’s gold helmet and has 13 points from seven goals and six assists.
- Albert Lyckåsen and Mateusz Szurowski lead Ringerike’s scoring with seven points each.
IHM Discussion
The standings give the fixture clear weight at both ends of the early table. Frisk Asker trail leaders Vålerenga by two points, while third-placed Storhamar are five points behind them. Ringerike, meanwhile, arrive looking to halt a run of four defeats in five and strengthen their position from sixth.
Haga’s absence removes one of Frisk Asker’s leading point producers from the lineup. Bjørndal assumes the gold helmet after matching Haga’s 13-point total, while Ringerike’s attack has been led jointly by Lyckåsen and Szurowski. Lyckåsen’s seven points comprise two goals and five assists; Szurowski has five goals and two assists.
Why It Matters
This is more than a return visit to Hønefoss for Frisk Asker. It is their first meeting there at the top level since Ringerike’s promotion back to the league, and the points carry immediate significance for two clubs occupying different parts of the table.
For Frisk Asker, the fixture comes with a chance to remain close to the summit despite Haga’s absence. Ringerike have an opportunity to respond at home after a difficult recent sequence and draw on the production of their two current scoring leaders.
Mini Q&A
Why is Michael Haga not playing against Ringerike?
Michael Haga has suffered a finger injury and will not play in the fixture.
Who will wear Frisk Asker’s gold helmet?
Fredrik Bjørndal will wear the gold helmet after reaching 13 points from seven goals and six assists.
How are the teams placed before the game?
Frisk Asker are second with 22 points, while Ringerike are sixth with 12 points.
What Comes Next
The next checkpoint is puck drop at Schjongshallen at 16.00, when Frisk Asker begin the game without Michael Haga and Bjørndal wears the gold helmet.
IHM Final View
Frisk Asker enter the Schjongshallen fixture with stronger recent results and a place near the summit, but without the injured Michael Haga. Ringerike return to a familiar top-flight home stage seeking a result that can interrupt their recent run and improve their league position.