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.