Story Summary
Linköping HC have parted company with assistant coach Mattias Zackrisson amid a difficult start to the SHL season. The club have collected 12 points from 14 games and sit below the qualification line.
Men’s sporting director Broc Little said the team’s results had not met expectations and that insufficient progress had been made in the offensive game. Zackrisson joined Linköping before the season and had a contract running until May 2027.
Key Facts
- Linköping HC have taken 12 points from 14 SHL matches and sit below the qualification line.
- Mattias Zackrisson has left his role as Linköping’s assistant coach.
- Broc Little said Linköping’s results had not been good enough and cited a need for greater offensive progress.
- Zackrisson joined Linköping ahead of the current season and was contracted until May 2027.
- Linköping said it would provide further information on changes to the coaching staff on Monday.
IHM Discussion
The decision is an early and clear intervention by Linköping after a start that has left the club short of the results it wanted. Little’s explanation placed particular emphasis on the attacking side of the team’s game, rather than treating the change as a response to results alone.
Zackrisson arrived with an established coaching background. He began his coaching career as head coach of a U16 team in 2014-15, spent several seasons in Djurgården’s academy and moved into senior hockey as an assistant coach before the 2020-21 season. His Linköping deal was due to run for longer than the current campaign, making the separation a significant staffing decision rather than a routine expiry of contract.
Why It Matters
Assistant-coach changes can alter the day-to-day work around a team, particularly when the stated concern is offensive development. Linköping have made their response while the season is still in its early phase, with the club acknowledging both the shared responsibility for performances and its belief that a change is needed.
The next staff announcement will clarify how Linköping intend to organise the coaching group following Zackrisson’s departure.
Mini Q&A
Why has Mattias Zackrisson left Linköping?
Broc Little said the team’s results had not been good enough and that Linköping had not made the required progress in its offensive play.
How long was Zackrisson under contract at Linköping?
His agreement with Linköping was due to run until May 2027, despite his having joined before the current season.
What Comes Next
Linköping have said further details about changes to the coaching staff will be announced on Monday.