Story Summary
Frans Haara has returned to the ice after the injury that forced the 22-year-old defenceman out of a game a month ago. Haara was hurt following a hit in the corner boards and could not continue, but took part in a skills session as the team trained through the international break.
Assistant coach Pierre Johnsson said Haara is progressing steadily, describing the latest step as a notably bigger one. Haara joined in with the work he was able to complete, while the coaching staff continue to monitor how he responds before increasing his workload.
Haara has played five regular-season matches so far and is still seeking his first point.
Key Facts
- Frans Haara was injured by a hit in the corner boards a month ago and had to leave the game.
- The 22-year-old defenceman has resumed on-ice work and completed a skills session.
- Assistant coach Pierre Johnsson said Haara is taking steps forward each day and made a clearly bigger step in his latest session.
- Haara took part in the training elements he could manage during the international break.
- Haara has played five regular-season games this season without recording a point.
- The team has no games in the coming week because of the international break.
IHM Discussion
The encouraging part is not simply that Haara is skating again, but that he has moved from recovery work into a structured skills session with the team training around him. That is a meaningful stage after an injury that ended his previous appearance immediately.
Johnsson nevertheless kept the timeline appropriately measured. The next decision rests on Haara’s reaction to the increased work, rather than on the fact he was able to get through one session. The club’s break in fixtures gives it training time without the immediate pressure of a match, although the scheduled work remains demanding, with contact drills and skating intervals rather than five-on-five play.
For Haara, who has only five league appearances this season, the priority is building back into normal hockey activity before any discussion of a match return.
Why It Matters
A defenceman returning from an injury absence needs more than a single skate before he can be considered ready for games. Haara’s participation in a skills session is a positive development, but his next workload will be determined by how his body handles the progression.
The international break provides a useful window for that assessment. With no matches in the coming week, the team can increase Haara’s involvement gradually while continuing its wider training programme.
Mini Q&A
What happened to Frans Haara?
Haara was injured by a hit in the corner boards a month ago and had to leave the game.
Is Frans Haara ready to return to full training?
He has resumed on-ice work and may join full team training later this week, but that depends on how he responds to the increased workload.
What Comes Next
Haara could take part in full team training later this week, but Johnsson said that will depend on how he reacts to his latest on-ice work.
IHM Final View
Haara’s return to the ice is a welcome step after an abrupt injury setback. The immediate focus remains his response to training, with the break offering time to judge whether he can move closer to full team involvement.