Tag: Färjestad

Färjestad Stars Lead SHL Team of the Week

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Färjestad’s Viktor Lodin, Radim Zohorna and Adam Ollas Mattsson headline the latest SHL Team of the Week after a productive seven days for the Karlstad club. Djurgården goaltender Magnus Hellberg, fellow Djurgården forward Lukas Vejdemo and HV71 defenceman Hugo Fransson complete the six-player selection.

Lodin and Zohorna each registered five points during the week, while Ollas Mattsson scored twice in Färjestad’s 6-2 victory and did not feature on the ice for a goal against across the week. Hellberg stopped 58 of 60 shots as Djurgården secured two needed wins, while Vejdemo’s four points represented a sharp change after he had managed one point through his first six matches.

The selection also reflects Fransson’s continued offensive contribution from the HV71 blue line. The defenceman recorded three assists over two games, including the assist on HV71’s decisive goal on Saturday.

Key Facts

  • Magnus Hellberg made 58 saves on 60 shots as Djurgården won both of their matches during the week.
  • Hugo Fransson recorded three assists in two games for HV71, including an assist on the decisive goal on Saturday.
  • Adam Ollas Mattsson scored two goals in Färjestad’s 6-2 win and was not on the ice for a goal against during the week.
  • Viktor Lodin scored twice in Thursday’s big win and added three assists in Saturday’s big win for Färjestad.
  • Lodin posted the highest game score of any SHL player during the week.
  • Radim Zohorna matched Lodin’s five-point week and has extended his Färjestad contract through 2029.
  • Lukas Vejdemo had four points in Djurgården’s two wins after recording one point in his first six games of the season.

IHM Discussion

Färjestad’s presence is the clearest theme of the selection. Lodin delivered scoring in both of the club’s wins, while Zohorna produced at the same five-point rate and Ollas Mattsson supplied two goals from the back end. That is a substantial spread of contribution across the line-up rather than a team being carried by one scorer alone.

Lodin’s week has strengthened an already striking start to the season. The forward was described as being in the form of his life, and his two goals followed by three assists gave Färjestad production on consecutive game days. His weekly game-score mark was also the highest among SHL players.

Zohorna’s form has been especially notable after a slow start following his arrival at Färjestad. The forward has found a stronger level since Cam Abbott took charge and is now contributing at both ends of the rink, according to the assessment behind the selection. His contract extension through 2029 gives Färjestad a long-term commitment to a player whose recent output has become increasingly prominent.

For Djurgården, the recognition comes against a more difficult opening to the campaign. Hellberg had not matched the level he showed last season before this week, but his 58 saves on 60 shots helped deliver two important victories. Vejdemo, meanwhile, has begun to translate his move to centre into offensive production. The returning forward had only one point in six opening games before collecting four across the latest two-match stretch.

Fransson’s place underlines his emergence as a leading SHL defenceman. His three assists in two games continued the scoring output that has followed his breakthrough last season. The assist on the Saturday winner was a particularly eye-catching contribution, regardless of whether it was intended as a direct set-up.

Why It Matters

The Team of the Week offers a concise snapshot of the players driving results across the SHL’s latest schedule. Färjestad’s three representatives came from different positions and different forms of contribution: Lodin’s scoring, Zohorna’s all-round impact and Ollas Mattsson’s goals and positive on-ice record.

Djurgården’s two selections are also significant because their two victories coincided with improved output from two key players. Hellberg’s save total and Vejdemo’s points gave the club tangible contributions after an underwhelming start. For HV71, Fransson’s continued production reinforces the importance of his role from defence.

Mini Q&A

Who led the scoring in the SHL Team of the Week?

Färjestad forwards Viktor Lodin and Radim Zohorna each recorded five points during the week.

How did Magnus Hellberg perform for Djurgården?

Hellberg stopped 58 of 60 shots as Djurgården won both of their matches during the week.

Which Färjestad player extended his contract?

Radim Zohorna extended his Färjestad contract through 2029.

Why was Lukas Vejdemo selected?

Vejdemo recorded four points in Djurgården’s two wins after producing one point in his first six matches of the season.

IHM Final View

Färjestad own the week’s strongest collective case, with Lodin, Zohorna and Ollas Mattsson all making decisive contributions. Hellberg and Vejdemo gave Djurgården a timely lift, while Fransson’s steady offensive influence for HV71 keeps him among the league’s most productive defencemen.

Melker Thelin signs Färjestad extension until 2029

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Färjestad have agreed a contract extension with goaltender Melker Thelin that will keep the 21-year-old at the Karlstad club until 2029. The agreement removes the uncertainty around a previous deal that had been due to expire after this season.

Thelin’s extension follows an exceptional opening to the SHL campaign. He made 28 saves in Färjestad’s 5-1 win over reigning champions Skellefteå on Thursday, conceding only his second goal of the season across four starts. His 98.25 save percentage is the best in the league at this early stage.

Thelin said he was pleased to settle his immediate future, having wanted to remain with a club and city where he feels at home. Rickard Wallin praised the young goaltender’s progress since joining Färjestad more than a year ago, pointing both to his goaltending and his drive.

Key Facts

  • Melker Thelin has signed a new Färjestad contract running until 2029.
  • The 21-year-old goaltender’s previous deal had been set to expire after this season.
  • Thelin stopped 28 of 29 shots in Färjestad’s 5-1 victory over reigning champions Skellefteå on Thursday.
  • He has allowed only two goals in four starts this season.
  • Thelin’s 98.25 save percentage is the best in the SHL at this stage of the campaign.
  • The former World Juniors goaltender has been with Färjestad for more than a year.

IHM Discussion

This is a significant piece of business for Färjestad because it turns an outstanding early-season run into longer-term security for a young goaltender. Thelin’s start has been defined not simply by one strong performance against Skellefteå, but by sustained efficiency over four starts: two goals against and a league-leading 98.25 save percentage.

The club’s decision also arrives before the final year of his previous contract could become a distraction. Thelin described the extension as a source of relief, while making clear that remaining in Karlstad had been his preferred outcome. That matters in a position where clarity and continuity can be valuable, particularly for a 21-year-old still building his senior career.

Wallin’s comments placed the agreement in the context of Thelin’s development since arriving at Färjestad. He highlighted the goaltender’s work alongside Emil, Daniel and Erik, as well as the progress the club had hoped to see from a young player. The extension gives Färjestad time to continue that work without the approaching expiry of his former deal hanging over the season.

Thelin’s numbers will naturally draw attention, but four starts remain a small sample. The more durable takeaway is that Färjestad have made a clear commitment while he is delivering at a high level, rather than waiting for his contract situation to become more complicated.

Why It Matters

Goaltending can shape a team’s margin for error, and Thelin has provided Färjestad with an elite level of stopping through the opening four starts. His performance against Skellefteå underlined that early form against the reigning champions.

By extending him until 2029, Färjestad have secured a young goaltender whose current contract was nearing its end. The agreement gives both player and club a defined long-term framework while Thelin continues his development in Karlstad.

Mini Q&A

How long is Melker Thelin’s new Färjestad contract?

Thelin’s new agreement runs until 2029.

What were Thelin’s numbers against Skellefteå?

He made 28 saves on 29 shots in Färjestad’s 5-1 win over Skellefteå.

Why was an extension needed now?

Thelin’s previous Färjestad contract was due to expire after this season.

Coach Mark Comment

Thelin’s early results are exceptional, but the coaching value of this extension is the stable working environment it preserves. A young goaltender benefits from clear routines, familiar support and the space to focus on repeatable habits rather than contract uncertainty. Färjestad have chosen continuity at a moment when his confidence and form are both high.

IHM Final View

Färjestad have moved quickly to secure one of the SHL’s standout early-season performers. Thelin’s 98.25 save percentage and two goals allowed in four starts offer a remarkable opening, while the contract through 2029 gives the 21-year-old a settled platform at a club he has made clear he wants to represent.

Ejdsell details hand injury in Färjestad setback

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Ejdsell has outlined the hand injury that is expected to keep him out for up to six weeks after Färjestad confirmed the absence.

The 31-year-old forward, who returned to the club this season, left a match against Djurgården last week during the third period. The incident was not immediately apparent from the play, but Ejdsell has since explained that his hand was caught as he attempted to check a Djurgården defenceman.

“I was going to check Djurgården’s defenceman and my hand got caught between the boards and was squeezed the wrong way,”Ejdsell said. “I crushed it. That can happen.”

He added that there was initial concern over the scaphoid bone, but that it appears to have avoided serious damage. Ejdsell described that outcome as a relief and said it could have been worse.

His right forearm is in a cast, while he has begun using a stationary bike during the early part of his recovery. Färjestad are now managing without Ejdsell and another leading player, who is sidelined until December with a foot injury.

Key Facts

  • Ejdsell, 31, is expected to be absent for up to six weeks after suffering a hand injury.
  • The forward left a match against Djurgården during the third period last week.
  • Ejdsell said his hand was trapped between the boards while he was attempting to check a Djurgården defenceman.
  • There was initial concern over Ejdsell’s scaphoid bone, but he said it appears to have come through the incident well.
  • Ejdsell’s right forearm is in a cast and he has started using a stationary bike.
  • Färjestad won their first match without Ejdsell and the foot-injured player, beating their visitors 3-1 at a full Löfbergs Arena.
  • A dual-registered player scored his first SHL goal in that 3-1 home victory.

IHM Discussion

The immediate concern for Färjestad is the length of the absence rather than uncertainty over what happened. Ejdsell has provided a clear account of a board-side incident that was not obvious at the time, while his comments on the scaphoid suggest the club avoided one of the more worrying possibilities considered after the injury.

A six-week maximum absence removes an experienced forward from the group shortly after his return to Färjestad. The timing is compounded by the separate foot injury that has ruled out another of the club’s leading players until December. Färjestad therefore have two significant absences to manage over an extended spell, even though their first match without both players ended in a home win.

The 3-1 result does not erase the challenge created by the injuries, but it did provide an early positive contribution from a dual-registered player, who scored his first SHL goal. That is a concrete indication of how opportunities can open elsewhere in the squad when established players are unavailable.

Why It Matters

Ejdsell’s update gives Färjestad a clearer picture of the injury after a departure from the Djurgården game that initially offered little visible explanation. His own account also narrows the focus to a hand injury and a stated absence of up to six weeks, rather than the more serious scaphoid concern that was initially feared.

For the club, the absence sits alongside an existing foot-injury lay-off lasting until December. The 3-1 home victory showed that Färjestad can still find contributions in the short term, but the loss of two leading players remains a material issue across the coming weeks.

Mini Q&A

How did Ejdsell injure his hand?

Ejdsell said his hand became caught between the boards while he was attempting to check a Djurgården defenceman.

How long is Ejdsell expected to be out?

Färjestad stated that Ejdsell could be absent for up to six weeks.

What did Färjestad do in their first game without Ejdsell?

Färjestad won 3-1 at home in a full Löfbergs Arena, with a dual-registered player scoring his first SHL goal.

Coach Mark Comment

Losing an experienced forward for up to six weeks changes more than one line. It affects special-teams options, matchups and the way minutes are distributed through the group. The important part for Färjestad is not trying to replace Ejdsell with one player, but finding the lost contribution collectively.

The first win without him is encouraging, especially with younger or dual-registered players getting opportunities, but one result does not solve the longer-term problem. Over several weeks, the coaching staff will need consistency from the players moving into larger roles and enough flexibility to adjust combinations as the schedule develops.

From Ejdsell’s side, the positive news is that the more serious concern around the scaphoid appears to have been avoided. The priority now is a controlled recovery and returning only when the hand can handle full hockey contact again.

IHM Final View

Ejdsell has put a straightforward explanation to an injury that was initially difficult to read from the game itself. The prospect of up to six weeks out is a setback for Färjestad, particularly with another leading player already unavailable until December, but the apparent avoidance of a serious scaphoid injury offers an important measure of relief.

Kovacs slams Björklöven after 0-5 home loss to Färjestad

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Björklöven’s long-awaited home opener turned sour as Färjestad moved into a 3-0 lead after ten minutes and ran out 5-0 winners (0-3, 0-0, 0-2). The loss came on the same afternoon Magnus Bogren confirmed a contract extension with the Umeå club in a video shown on the jumbotron. After 40 minutes, Robin Kovacs delivered a fierce appraisal of his team’s performance, calling the display “a wet, bloody blanket” and warning that every player must be “ready for war”. Lassi Lehtinen was replaced by Frans Tuohimaa after the third Färjestad goal, while Färjestad’s scorers were Albert Wikman (two), Radim Zohorna, Oskar Steen and Marian Studenic.

Key Facts

  • Final score: Björklöven 0-5 Färjestad (0-3, 0-0, 0-2).
  • Färjestad had built a 3-0 lead after ten minutes.
  • Färjestad scorers named: Albert Wikman (2), Radim Zohorna, Oskar Steen, Marian Studenic.
  • Magnus Bogren announced he had extended his contract with Björklöven in a video shown on the club’s jumbotron; he told TV4 that when Per asked there was no long hesitation and that he is happy at Löven and looks forward to the journey ahead.
  • After the third Färjestad goal, Lassi Lehtinen was relieved and Frans Tuohimaa came in for Björklöven.
  • Robin Kovacs criticised Björklöven’s first 40 minutes, saying there were no battles, no energy and that players must be prepared to fight 60 minutes to beat a team like Färjestad.
  • Sanny Lindström told TV4 that “Färjestad are a notch better and bigger in this match.”
  • Björklöven thought they had scored early in the second period, but replays showed the puck had not crossed the line.

IHM Discussion

The match offered a sharp contrast between an encouraging off-ice announcement and a difficult on-ice performance. Magnus Bogren’s contract extension was announced to the arena before the game, but Färjestad quickly took control with three goals after ten minutes. Lassi Lehtinen was replaced by Frans Tuohimaa following the third goal, yet the visitors retained control through a scoreless second period before adding two power-play goals in the third.

Kovacs’ remarks after 40 minutes summed up Björklöven’s frustration. He criticised the lack of emotion and physical engagement, and said the group could not expect games to become easy after two wins. His demand for players to be ready to compete for 60 minutes was a direct response to a performance in which Färjestad established the early initiative.

Albert Wikman scored twice for Färjestad, with Radim Zohorna, Oskar Steen and Marian Studenic also on the scoresheet. The visitors’ late power-play goals completed a comprehensive 5-0 result.

Why It Matters

For Björklöven, the defeat underlined the cost of a poor start against a strong opponent. Kovacs’ public criticism put the focus on the group’s willingness to compete, while the two late power-play goals also leave the team with clear areas to review. Bogren’s extension provided a positive pre-game moment, but the response on the ice will now matter most.

Mini Q&A

What was the final score and period breakdown?

Björklöven 0-5 Färjestad, with period scores 0-3, 0-0, 0-2.

Who scored for Färjestad?

Reportedly, Albert Wikman (two goals), Radim Zohorna, Oskar Steen and Marian Studenic are the scorers for Färjestad.

What did Robin Kovacs say about the team’s performance?

Kovacs called the display “a wet, bloody blanket” for 40 minutes, criticised the lack of emotion and physical engagement, and said every player must be “ready for war” for 60 minutes.

Did anything positive happen for Björklöven before the match?

Yes. Magnus Bogren announced, in a video shown on the jumbotron, that he had extended his contract with the Umeå club; he told TV4 he feels good at Löven and looks forward to the journey ahead.

IHM Final View

Bogren’s contract extension gave Björklöven a positive pre-game moment, but Färjestad dominated the result. Kovacs’ blunt assessment focused attention on Björklöven’s competitive level, and the team will need a stronger 60-minute performance after this 5-0 loss.

Färjestad loan Mikkel Eriksen and double-register him

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Färjestad BK has announced that it is loaning out 19-year-old centre Mikkel Eriksen and has double-registered him, allowing him to move between clubs during the season. Sport director Rickard Wallin said the club want Eriksen getting senior minutes and that he is “knocking hard on the SHL door.” Eriksen spent a short loan spell at Mora last season (five regular-season games and two playoff games for two points) and finished last season by representing Norway at the World Championship, where he was scoreless in six games as Norway won bronze. This season he began with Färjestad’s U20 side, producing eight points (3+5) in six games.

Key Facts

  • Färjestad BK has announced a loan involving 19-year-old centre Mikkel Eriksen.
  • Eriksen is double-registered, which the club says allows him to move between the two clubs during the season.
  • Färjestad sport director Rickard Wallin: “We want Mikkel playing at senior level. We are very pleased with his start to the season and he is knocking hard on the SHL door. Having said that, he is exactly in that gap of establishing himself at senior level. Playing time is therefore an important factor.”
  • Eriksen had a short loan at Mora late last season, playing five regular-season games and two playoff games, recording two points (2+0).
  • Eriksen played for Norway at the World Championship last spring, appearing in six games and finishing scoreless as Norway secured a bronze medal.
  • This season Eriksen began with Färjestad’s U20 team and has recorded eight points (3+5) in six games.

IHM Discussion

Färjestad’s decision to loan and double-register Mikkel Eriksen is a development move designed to secure senior playing time while allowing him to move between the two clubs during the season. Rickard Wallin described Eriksen as being close to establishing himself at senior level, with strong U20 production, a brief spell at Mora last season and World Championship experience with Norway. The arrangement gives Eriksen a route to regular senior action at an important stage of his development.

Why It Matters

For Eriksen, senior playing time is the immediate priority. His eight points in six games for Färjestad’s U20 team underline his productive start to the season, while the loan arrangement is intended to help him establish himself at senior level.

Mini Q&A

Who has been loaned out?

Färjestad BK has loaned 19-year-old centre Mikkel Eriksen.

What does double-registration mean in this case?

The club says Eriksen is double-registered, which allows him to move between the two clubs during the season.

How did Eriksen perform last season on loan at Mora?

Eriksen played five regular-season games and two playoff games for Mora, recording two points (2+0).

Did Eriksen play at the World Championship?

Yes. Eriksen played six games for Norway at the World Championship and finished scoreless as Norway won bronze.

How has he started this season?

Eriksen began this season with Färjestad’s U20 team and has eight points (3+5) in six games.

Filander forced into early timeout as Färjestad rout Örebro

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Martin Filander, 45, was Örebro’s head coach for the SHL season opener against Färjestad and took his first timeout as Örebro coach when Färjestad had made it 3-0 in the 13th minute. Axel Bergkvist scored to make it 3-0 at 12:43 of the first period, assisted by Oskar Steen and Radim Zohorna. Färjestad completed a comprehensive 7-0 victory, the scoreboard reading 4-0 after the first period, 2-0 in the second and 1-0 in the third. Three of Färjestad’s goals arrived on the power play.

Key Facts

  • Martin Filander was Örebro’s head coach for the SHL season opener against Färjestad.
  • When Färjestad made it 3-0 in the 13th minute, Martin Filander took his first timeout as Örebro head coach.
  • Axel Bergkvist scored the 3-0 goal at 12:43 of the first period; the goal was assisted by Oskar Steen and Radim Zohorna.
  • Färjestad won the match 7-0 with period scores 4-0, 2-0 and 1-0.
  • Three of Färjestad’s goals were scored on the power play.
  • TV4 commentator Stefan Klemetz described it as a tough first period in which Färjestad capitalised on their power-play chances.

IHM Discussion

The result underlines how decisive special teams can be in an opening fixture. Färjestad converted repeatedly with the man advantage and built a multi-goal lead inside the opening quarter of an hour, forcing an early timeout from Filander as he sought to halt the momentum. Bergkvist’s first-period strike – supplied by Steen and Zohorna – came at the end of a damaging spell that set the tone for the rest of the game. A 7-0 final score with a 4-0 first period leaves little room for optimism in terms of defensive shape or in-game adjustments from Örebro on this occasion.

Why It Matters

A heavy defeat in the season opener is an immediate test for a coach. Örebro conceded three power-play goals as Färjestad established control of the match. How Örebro responds will offer an early indication of Filander’s approach to momentum swings and penalty-kill structure, while Färjestad will take confidence from a dominant power-play performance.

Färjestad benches new signing Sebastian Cederle for opener

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Färjestad will bench new signing Sebastian Cederle for Saturday’s season opener after reporting full availability among its 14 forwards. Head coach Cam Abbott said the squad has been healthy through pre-season and that selection will be difficult; he added that the club will reassess the situation on Tuesday. Cederle, who joined from HK Nitra after a 13+19 season in 53 games, was one of two forwards rotated into the side at the final training session before the opener. The club says one forward will be benched and another will sit in the stands for the game.

Key Facts

  • Färjestad reports all 14 forwards are available for the season opener.
  • With full depth available, one forward will be benched and one will sit in the stands for the match.
  • Head coach Cam Abbott said: ” Everyone has done a good job throughout the pre-season. Right now we are healthy and it will be a tough decision. We have four games in eight days and we will make a new decision on Tuesday.”
  • New signing Sebastian Cederle will be benched for the opener.
  • At the final training session before the opener, Cederle was one of two forwards rotated into the team.
  • Cederle transferred from HK Nitra, where he registered 13 goals and 19 assists in 53 games last season.
  • Cederle played at the World Championship and recorded 2+1 in that tournament.

IHM Discussion

Färjestad’s decision to bench a recent acquisition for the opener underlines the competition in its forward group. With 14 forwards available, the coaching staff must make difficult selection calls, while Abbott’s reference to four games in eight days leaves scope for another decision on Tuesday. Cederle arrives from HK Nitra after producing 13 goals and 19 assists in 53 games last season, and he also recorded 2+1 at the World Championship. His opening-night status reflects the immediate competition for places rather than any reported availability issue.

Why It Matters

For Cederle, the opening selection decision means he must wait for his first opportunity with Färjestad. For the club, it illustrates the competition across the forward group ahead of a stretch of four games in eight days. Tuesday is the next stated point at which the coaching staff will revisit its selection.

Mini Q&A

Why is Sebastian Cederle benched for the opener?

Färjestad reports all 14 forwards are available, creating a selection decision; coach Cam Abbott called the choice a tough one and indicated it is a consequence of having a healthy, competitive forward group.

What are Cederle’s recent statistics?

Cederle recorded 13 goals and 19 assists in 53 games for HK Nitra last season and logged 2+1 at the World Championship.

Did the club give a timetable for revisiting the decision?

Yes. Abbott said the coaching staff will take a new decision on Tuesday.

Does the benching reflect an injury?

No. The club reports the squad is healthy and all 14 forwards are available.

What Comes Next

Cam Abbott said the club will make a new selection decision on Tuesday; that is the next explicit checkpoint the team has given for the forward group selection.

Färjestad edge Vålerenga 3-1 as Åslund nets twice

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Färjestad defeated Vålerenga 3-1 at Helmia Arena in Sunne to finish their pre-season. Per Åslund scored twice and Marcus Johansson also found the net, while Vålerenga’s Markus Modigs pulled one back with six seconds left in the second period. The victory follows a 3-1 win for Färjestad in Oslo the previous Friday and gives the club a positive end to preparations ahead of the SHL opener on 19 September.

Key Facts

  • Färjestad beat Vålerenga 3-1 at Helmia Arena in Sunne.
  • Färjestad goals: Per Åslund 2, Marcus Johansson 1.
  • Vålerenga goal: Markus Modigs.
  • Per Åslund scored two power-play goals.
  • Vålerenga reduced the deficit to 3-1 with six seconds left of the second period through Markus Modigs.
  • The match was Färjestad’s final pre-season game.
  • Färjestad will aim for the SHL premiere on 19 September.
  • Färjestad had beaten Vålerenga 3-1 in Oslo the previous Friday, providing momentum into this home rehearsal.

IHM Discussion

The win gives Färjestad a tidy finish to a mixed pre-season. Per Åslund scored twice, while Marcus Johansson registered his first goal of the pre-season. Johansson’s goal was a scrappy one, with the puck reaching the net after he lost it while attempting a move in the slot. Färjestad built a three-goal lead before Modigs’ late second-period response for Vålerenga.

Why It Matters

A positive end to pre-season can help build confidence. Åslund’s two power-play goals will be encouraging ahead of the SHL opener, while the match provided Färjestad with one final competitive test before league action begins.

Mini Q&A

What was the final score and where was the match played?

Färjestad beat Vålerenga 3-1 at Helmia Arena in Sunne.

Who scored for Färjestad?

Per Åslund scored twice and Marcus Johansson scored once.

Who scored for Vålerenga?

Markus Modigs scored for Vålerenga, reducing the score to 3-1 late in the second period.

What significance did the match have for Färjestad?

It was Färjestad’s final pre-season match and a positive tune-up ahead of their SHL premiere on 19 September.

What Comes Next

Färjestad now turn their attention to the SHL premiere on 19 September; the team will move from pre-season friendlies into competitive league action.

Färjestad plan changes after four straight quarter-final exits

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Färjestad have acknowledged a persistent play-off obstacle after being knocked out at the quarter-final stage for the fourth year running. The club is reworking parts of its setup in an attempt to overcome the run of early post-season exits. Viktor Lodin said the team must accept difficult changes to produce different results: “Some uncomfortable changes must be made; we have to change something to change the results.”

Key Facts

  • Färjestad have been eliminated in the quarter-finals for four consecutive seasons.
  • The club is changing parts of its setup in response to repeated early post-season exits.
  • Viktor Lodin is quoted saying: “Some uncomfortable changes must be made, we have to change something to change the results.”
  • The item was published on 4 September 2026 as a Färjestad team review.

IHM Discussion

Four straight quarter-final exits have become a recurring frustration for a club seeking deeper play-off runs. Färjestad’s decision to alter parts of their approach is notable, while Lodin has publicly signalled that the status quo cannot continue. The challenge for the club will be identifying changes that can improve its play-off results without unnecessarily disrupting the group.

Why It Matters

Repeated quarter-final eliminations can shape internal expectations and fan confidence. Acknowledging the need for uncomfortable changes early in the pre-season can be constructive if the club follows through with clear priorities. Lodin’s comments also underline the scale of the challenge facing the group.

Tom Bjurman could get chance with Färjestad

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Färjestad BK face Örebro in their fourth pre-season match in Åmål while several defencemen are unavailable. Juniors Malte Pihlström and Tom Bjurman have trained with the A-team and could be selected. Cam Abbott said a decision would follow internal discussions and did not rule out including a couple of juniors, with Tom among those in contention.

Key Facts

  • Färjestad BK play their fourth pre-season/training match against Örebro in Åmål.
  • Färjestad were shut out in two consecutive matches during the Strömstad Hockey Classic earlier in their pre-season schedule.
  • A couple of Färjestad defencemen are not available for the match; one player left the game against Leksand last week and did not train with the team this week.
  • One defensive prospect is away on international duty.
  • Players Nygren and Gudmundsson are explicitly reported as unavailable for selection.
  • Färjestad have also lost a defenceman to North American hockey.
  • Juniors Malte Pihlström (born 2007) and Tom Bjurman (born 2009) have trained with Färjestad’s A-team.
  • Cam Abbott said a decision would follow internal discussions and that it was possible a couple of juniors could be included, with Tom among those in contention.
  • Tom Bjurman is among the juniors who could be considered for the match.

IHM Discussion

Färjestad enter the match against Örebro with reduced options on defence, creating an opportunity for juniors who have trained with the A-team. pre-season fixtures can provide a useful test of young players in a senior environment. Abbott’s willingness to consider juniors leaves Bjurman and Pihlström in contention for involvement.

Why It Matters

If selected, Pihlström or Bjurman would have an opportunity to experience a senior pre-season match while Färjestad assess their options on defence.

Mini Q&A

Who is Tom Bjurman?

Tom Bjurman is one of the juniors who has trained with Färjestad’s A-team and is in contention for the match against Örebro.

Why might juniors be used in Färjestad’s match against Örebro?

Färjestad are short of defencemen – Nygren and Gudmundsson are unavailable – so juniors who have trained with the A-team may be considered to cover those absences.

Which juniors have been training with Färjestad’s A-team?

Malte Pihlström (born 2007) and Tom Bjurman (born 2009) have trained with the A-team during the week.

What did coach Cam Abbott say about the possibility of including juniors?

Abbott said the club would decide after internal discussions and that it was possible a couple of juniors could be included, with Tom among those in contention.

When will we know if a junior will play?

Abbott said a decision will be made after internal discussions ahead of the match; the chosen line-up for tonight’s meeting with Örebro will show whether a junior is included.

What Comes Next

Färjestad will decide on junior involvement after internal discussions.