Tag: Brynäs

17-year-old Lahtinen trains with Brynäs seniors

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Brynäs returned to Gävle after a heavy away defeat and held a practice session at Monitor ERP Arena on Monday that included 17-year-old defenceman Ellioth Lahtinen. The Tierp prospect, now in his fourth consecutive season with the club, took part in training with the senior group. Lahtinen started the season at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, has one assist in his first seven games in U20 Nationell and played 15 matches for the national team last season. He skated in a defensive pairing during the session. It remains unclear whether Monday’s appearance was a one-off or the start of further opportunities with the senior side. An unnamed forward who played roughly 17 minutes on Saturday did not take part in the ice session.

Key Facts

  • Ellioth Lahtinen, 17, trained with Brynäs’ senior group at Monitor ERP Arena on Monday.
  • Lahtinen is from Tierp and is in his fourth straight season with Brynäs.
  • He began the season at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
  • Lahtinen has one assist in his first seven games in U20 Nationell.
  • Last season he played 15 matches for the national team.
  • He skated in a defensive pairing during the session.
  • Only one player born in 2009 has so far played senior hockey for Brynäs.
  • An unnamed forward who logged about 17 minutes on Saturday was absent from Monday’s ice session.

IHM Discussion

Lahtinen’s presence at the senior practice gives Brynäs a chance to expose a young defenceman to the first-team environment. He has started the season at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, recorded one assist in seven U20 Nationell games and played 15 national-team matches last season.

The session does not establish a roster change or a guaranteed promotion. Lahtinen skated in a defensive pairing, but it remains unclear whether the appearance was a one-off or the start of further senior opportunities. Any assessment should remain cautious until Brynäs use the 17-year-old again in a match setting.

Why It Matters

For Brynäs, giving a 17-year-old defenceman time with the senior squad keeps a youth prospect close to the first-team environment. For Lahtinen, the session offers exposure to older teammates and the demands of senior hockey. Whether it leads to further opportunities will determine its practical significance for his development and Brynäs’ roster options.

Mini Q&A

Who is Ellioth Lahtinen?

He is a 17-year-old defenceman from Tierp who is in his fourth consecutive season with Brynäs and who started the season at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

Did Lahtinen play with the senior team?

He trained with Brynäs’ senior group at Monitor ERP Arena on Monday, where he skated in a defensive pairing during the session.

What are his recent statistics mentioned?

Lahtinen has one assist in his first seven U20 Nationell games and played 15 matches for the national team last season.

Will he get senior-game minutes?

No senior-game appearance is confirmed. It remains to be seen whether the training session was a single opportunity or the start of further chances.

Were any regular senior players absent from the session?

An unnamed forward who played about 17 minutes on Saturday did not participate in Monday’s ice session.

What Comes Next

The next indication will be whether Lahtinen receives further senior training opportunities with Brynäs. It remains to be seen whether Monday’s appearance was a temporary trial or the start of more chances with the senior side.

Bäckström faces uncertain return as Brynäs open season

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Nicklas Bäckström is in extensive rehabilitation at Sand Clinic and will miss Brynäs IF’s season opener away to the reigning champions. He has had two hip operations, but the current problem is described as the follow-on effects those surgeries have had on the rest of his body rather than the hip itself. Brynäs have an agreement with Sand Clinic. Bäckström said he regretted not having had the operation earlier. He recorded 30 points in 45 SHL games for Brynäs in 2025/26. It is unclear when – or whether – he will be able to play again.

Key Facts

  • Central subject: Nicklas Bäckström, Brynäs IF player.
  • Bäckström is undergoing extensive rehabilitation at Sand Clinic; Brynäs IF has an agreement with the clinic.
  • He has had two hip operations; current issues are described as follow-on effects on the rest of his body rather than the hip itself.
  • Bäckström said he regretted not having had the operation earlier.
  • He will be absent from Brynäs’ season opener away to the reigning champions.
  • Bäckström recorded 30 points in 45 SHL games for Brynäs in 2025/26.
  • It is unclear when – or whether – he will be able to play again.

IHM Discussion

Bäckström’s rehabilitation and the uncertainty around his return leave Brynäs without an experienced player for the opening match and potentially longer. The current issue is described as effects on the rest of his body following two hip operations, rather than the hip itself, underlining the complexity of his recovery. His 30 points in 45 SHL games last season show the production Brynäs are missing, while his own regret over the timing of surgery adds a personal dimension to an uncertain situation.

Why It Matters

Bäckström’s 30 points in 45 SHL games last season made him an important contributor for Brynäs. With his return uncertain, the club must manage his absence while he continues rehabilitation.

Mini Q&A

What is the nature of Bäckström’s problem?

He has undergone two hip operations; the current issue is described as the follow-on effects those surgeries have had on the rest of his body rather than the hip itself.

Where is he receiving treatment?

Bäckström is rehabilitating at Sand Clinic; Brynäs IF has an agreement with the clinic.

Will he play in the season opener?

No. He will be absent from Brynäs’ season opener away to the reigning champions.

Did Bäckström comment on his situation?

Yes. He said he regretted not having had the operation earlier.

How productive was he last season?

Bäckström recorded 30 points in 45 SHL games for Brynäs in 2025/26.

What Comes Next

Bäckström will miss Brynäs’ opening match away to the reigning champions. His rehabilitation at Sand Clinic continues, with no clear timetable for a return.

Brynäs to loan Forslund and Leo Sundqvist to Almtuna

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Brynäs IF have reached an agreement with Almtuna that will allow 20-year-old Forslund and 19-year-old Leo Sundqvist to move between the clubs during the season and seek game time with the Uppsala club. Almtuna assistant coach Victor Grönberg attended a Brynäs practice on Friday, while one of the pair is expected to remain with Brynäs until Milton Gästrin returns to full training.

Key Facts

  • Forslund is 20 years old and came through Falun’s youth system.
  • Forslund made 28 appearances and registered nine points last season.
  • Leo Sundqvist is 19 years old and made 11 SHL appearances last season.
  • Sundqvist scored 45 points in 35 matches in U20 Nationell last season.
  • Reportedly Brynäs and Almtuna have agreed a solution that lets the two players move freely between the clubs during the season.
  • Almtuna assistant coach Victor Grönberg was present at a Brynäs training session on Friday.
  • One of the two players is expected to stay with Brynäs while Milton Gästrin is not yet back in full training.

IHM Discussion

The arrangement gives Brynäs a way to balance the development of two young players with its short-term roster needs. Both can pursue game time at Almtuna while remaining available to move between the clubs during the season.

Forslund made 28 appearances and recorded nine points last season. Sundqvist played 11 SHL games and posted 45 points in 35 U20 Nationell matches, evidence of his production at junior level as he looks for regular senior minutes.

Why It Matters

The agreement offers Brynäs flexibility while giving Forslund and Sundqvist a clearer route to competitive minutes. It also allows the club to keep one of the players available while Gästrin works his way back to full training, rather than making a permanent move.

Mikko Manner regrets Brynäs move: “I should never have gone”

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Mikko Manner, who left a long spell in Finland to become Brynäs IF head coach in 2021, has said he regrets the move and should not have left Finland at that time. Manner led Brynäs to the playoffs in 2021/22, but the following season ended badly: Brynäs finished second-last in the SHL, Manner and his assistants were dismissed shortly before the qualification series, and Brynäs were relegated after Malmö won the series 4-1 in matches. Now back in Finland as HPK head coach, Manner said he was exhausted after his years at Kärpät and believes he should have taken a break before accepting Brynäs’ offer. He remains open to returning to the SHL.

Key Facts

  • Mikko Manner was hired as head coach of Brynäs IF in 2021 after several years coaching Kärpät.
  • In his first season, 2021/22, Manner led Brynäs to the SHL playoffs.
  • In his second season with Brynäs the club finished second-last in the SHL table.
  • Manner and his coaching staff were sacked by Brynäs just before the qualification series.
  • The interim coaching staff led by Ove Molin were unable to keep Brynäs in the SHL.
  • Malmö won the qualification series 4-1 in matches and Brynäs were relegated.
  • Manner said in Urheiluromantikko that he regrets moving to Brynäs and would not have gone if he could travel back in time: ” If I could go back in a time machine, I would not have gone.”
  • He described being ” a little exhausted” after his years at Kärpät and said he was not his best self during the Brynäs period.
  • Manner criticised the timing of his dismissal, saying: ” I think we were fired too late. Either they should have fired us earlier or trusted us all the way.”
  • Manner has returned to Finland and is now head coach of HPK.
  • He said he remains open to a future return to the SHL but acknowledged his role in taking Brynäs to the qualification series may reduce his immediate appeal at that club.

IHM Discussion

Manner’s comments are a candid reflection on a high-profile coaching spell that began with early success and ended in relegation. He arrived with a strong record from Kärpät, led Brynäs to the playoffs in his first season, and then faced a much tougher second campaign. Manner links his own struggles in part to exhaustion after his Kärpät years, underlining the importance of timing and workload when coaches take on demanding new roles. His view that Brynäs dismissed the staff too late also highlights the difficult judgement clubs face when a season is at risk.

Why It Matters

Manner’s account offers a frank view of the pressures on coaches working away from home after demanding spells elsewhere. It also highlights the challenge for clubs when results deteriorate: decisions on continuity, support and change are made under intense pressure. For SHL teams and sporting directors, it is a reminder that coaching transitions demand clear planning as well as a response to results.

Mini Q&A

What did Mikko Manner say about his move to Brynäs?

Manner said he regrets the move and that, ” If I could go back in a time machine, I would not have gone,” adding he should have taken a break instead of leaving Finland then.

How did Brynäs fare under Manner?

Manner led Brynäs to the SHL playoffs in 2021/22, but the following season the club finished second-last and he and his assistants were dismissed before the qualification series.

What happened in the qualification series after Manner’s dismissal?

The interim staff led by Ove Molin were unable to keep Brynäs up; Malmö won the qualification series 4-1 in matches and Brynäs were relegated.

Where is Manner coaching now?

He has returned to Finland and is now head coach of HPK.

Does Manner want to coach in the SHL again?

Yes. He said he would gladly return to the SHL, while acknowledging that his role in taking Brynäs to the qualification series leaves him far from an obvious candidate at present.

Coach Mark Comment

Manner’s reflections underline the value of recognising fatigue before taking on another demanding job. For clubs, clear expectations and decisive communication matter most when results begin to turn.

What Comes Next

Manner has said he would welcome another opportunity to coach in the SHL. For now, he is head coach of HPK in Finland.

IHM Final View

Manner’s reflections expose the human dimension behind difficult results. His admission of exhaustion and his criticism of the timing of Brynäs’ decision offer a candid perspective on his time in Sweden. He has made clear that he would welcome a future return to the SHL.

Jens Nielsen to combine Malmö role with Danish national duties

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Jens Nielsen will remain an assistant coach at Malmö Redhawks for a third consecutive season while also serving as an assistant coach for the Danish national team. His work with Denmark will take place during international breaks. Malmö sporting director Oscar Alsenfelt described the assignment as an honourable opportunity and said it would not negatively affect the club, with Nielsen working in parallel with his Malmö duties. Nielsen has previously served as an assistant coach at four world championships and now has the chance to be involved for a fifth time.

Key Facts

  • Jens Nielsen will be assistant coach at Malmö Redhawks for a third consecutive season.
  • Nielsen will also serve as an assistant coach with the Danish national team.
  • The assignment with Denmark will take place during international breaks.
  • Malmö sport director Oscar Alsenfelt said the club views the appointment as a confirmation of their work and will not be negatively affected.
  • Nielsen has been an assistant coach at four world championships and will now have the chance for a fifth.

IHM Discussion

Malmö Redhawks’ support for Nielsen’s dual role reflects the club’s confidence that his Denmark commitments can be managed during international breaks. Alsenfelt presented the appointment as recognition of both Nielsen’s work and Malmö’s coaching environment. For Nielsen, a fifth possible world-championship assignment would add to an international coaching record that already includes four tournaments.

Why It Matters

The appointment allows Nielsen to add international duties without leaving his Malmö role. His experience from four world championships adds established tournament experience to Denmark’s coaching staff during international windows.

Mini Q&A

What roles will Jens Nielsen hold?

He will continue as assistant coach at Malmö Redhawks and also serve as an assistant coach for the Danish national team.

When will Nielsen work with Denmark?

His assignment with the Danish national team will take place during international breaks.

Will Malmö be affected by Nielsen’s national-team work?

Malmö sport director Oscar Alsenfelt said the club does not expect any negative effect, as Nielsen will work for Denmark in parallel with his Malmö duties.

What experience does Nielsen bring to the national team?

He has been an assistant coach at four world championships and now has the chance to be involved for a fifth time.

What Comes Next

Nielsen will carry out his Danish national-team duties during international breaks while continuing his work with Malmö.