Tag: SHL

HV71 sign Latvian World Championship defenceman

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

HV71 have announced the signing of Latvian defenceman Markuss Komuls. The 28-year-old, who spent last season in Litvinov, was presented by the club on Tuesday. The move follows a difficult pre-season for HV71’s defence, with the club seeking reinforcements and preferring a right-shot player. Komuls has played in two World Championships for Latvia.

Key Facts

  • HV71 have presented Markuss Komuls as a new signing.
  • Komuls is 28 years old.
  • He played last season in Litvinov.
  • Komuls has taken part in two World Championships for Latvia.
  • HV71 faced a defensive shortage during pre-season and sought a new defenceman.
  • The club had expressed a preference for a right-shot defenceman during their search.

IHM Discussion

The addition of Markuss Komuls addresses a clear short-term need for HV71. The club sought defensive reinforcements during pre-season and preferred a right-shot option. Komuls’s handedness is not specified, but he adds senior experience after a season in Litvinov and two World Championship appearances for Latvia.

At 28, Komuls brings international experience to HV71’s defensive group. That background could help his transition into a new league and team environment. His presentation by the club on Tuesday confirms the move.

Why It Matters

For HV71, the significance is practical rather than headline-grabbing: the signing adds another option after a pre-season defensive shortage. A player with World Championship experience gives the coaching staff greater depth to work with as the season approaches. For Komuls, the move continues his European club career after last season in Litvinov.

Calle Järnkrok returns as Brynäs add NHL experience

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Brynäs have brought in Calle Järnkrok ahead of the 2026/27 season, extending a run of three consecutive seasons in which the Gävle club have welcomed back NHL-experienced players. Järnkrok arrives after 13 years in North America and 774 NHL games, following earlier returns by Jakob Silfverberg (820 NHL games) and Nicklas Bäckström (1,105 NHL games and a Stanley Cup in 2018). Brynäs defenceman Johannes Kinnvall highlighted the professional standards and leadership the returnees bring, while noting that younger players challenge the experienced core every day. Brynäs are also addressing last season’s inconsistency and defensive shortcomings, with Kinnvall saying the penalty kill has looked better during pre-season.

Key Facts

  • Brynäs have signed Calle Järnkrok for the 2026/27 season after his 13-year spell in North America, where he played 774 NHL games.
  • This is Brynäs’ third straight season adding an NHL-experienced returnee: Jakob Silfverberg (2024/25) returned with 820 NHL games on his CV; Nicklas Bäckström returned in 2025/26 after 1,105 NHL games and a Stanley Cup win in 2018.
  • Together with other returnees and veterans, Brynäs’ squad totals 4,594 NHL games, reportedly 3,000 more than the nearest competitor.
  • Johannes Kinnvall, an offensive defenceman for Brynäs, praised the returning players and their professional standards: ‘It’s an honour to play with them… they lift us and increase our chances.’ (translated)
  • Kinnvall stressed the mix of youth and experience: younger players compete daily with teammates ten to fifteen years older and both groups benefit from each other.
  • Brynäs endured a mixed 2025/26 season: a poor autumn, recovery across the winter but an ultimately disappointing quarter-final exit to Växjö.
  • A notable low point last season was a 0-7 defeat to Färjestad, after which Brynäs began to improve and secured a top-six finish.
  • Defence is identified as the key area for improvement: Brynäs conceded the most goals among the top-six teams last season and their penalty kill struggled.
  • Brynäs added North American forwards Jaret Anderson-Dolan and Julien Gauthier in the off-season, increasing depth among forwards.
  • Brynäs have not publicly set a specific season target but Kinnvall said the team wants to be a top side while maintaining a measured, workmanlike approach.
  • Kinnvall described his own 2025/26 campaign as strong: ‘Most things flowed and I felt I contributed to the team.’ (translated)

IHM Discussion

Brynäs’ strategy is plainly built around experience and leadership. Bringing back three high-profile players with extensive NHL backgrounds across successive seasons is a deliberate attempt to import standards of professionalism, situational awareness and compete-level habits developed in North America. Those qualities are what Johannes Kinnvall highlights: the returnees are ‘proffs ut i fingerspetsarna’ – professionals to the fingertips – and that kind of influence is valuable in a squad that also relies on younger players for energy and competition.

However, experience alone does not erase last season’s structural weaknesses. The club conceded the most goals among the top-six teams and their penalty kill underperformed. Brynäs have acknowledged those issues publicly and point to pre-season work where coach and players saw the boxplay ‘look better’. The signings of forwards such as Jaret Anderson-Dolan and Julien Gauthier add scoring depth, but the club’s own diagnosis puts defensive structure and special teams at the centre of any real push up the table. The balance Brynäs must find is integrating veteran leadership while ensuring those veterans contribute to tactical improvements – particularly on defence and the penalty kill – not only to dressing-room culture.

Why It Matters

Brynäs’ recruitment has assembled an unusually experienced group, with the club placing its squad total at 4,594 NHL games. That pedigree raises expectations, while the returning players can offer younger teammates examples of preparation, decision-making and leadership under pressure. For Brynäs, though, the key measure will be whether that experience accompanies clear improvement in goal prevention and special-teams consistency across the season.

Mini Q&A

Who has Brynäs signed from the NHL for 2026/27?

Brynäs have signed Calle Järnkrok, who comes to Gävle after 13 years in North America and 774 NHL games.

Which other notable NHL returnees have joined Brynäs in recent seasons?

Jakob Silfverberg returned in 2024/25 after 820 NHL games, and Nicklas Bäckström returned in 2025/26 after 1,105 NHL games and a Stanley Cup win in 2018.

How much NHL experience does Brynäs claim to have in their squad?

Brynäs’ squad totals 4,594 NHL games, which the club states is about 3,000 more than the nearest competitor.

What were Brynäs’ main problems last season?

Brynäs had a mixed 2025/26 campaign with a poor start to the season, a heavy 0-7 loss to Färjestad, and a quarter-final exit to Växjö; defensively they conceded the most goals among the top-six teams and their penalty kill struggled.

Have Brynäs set a specific target for the season?

No specific target has been set. Johannes Kinnvall said the team wants to be a top side but emphasised a cautious, hard-working approach rather than making bold claims.

What will indicate if these signings work out?

Improved defensive statistics and a more consistent penalty kill, alongside how quickly the new veterans integrate into Brynäs’ systems, will be the clearest indicators.

Coach Mark Comment

Experience gives Brynäs more options, but the value of those additions will show in the team game. With defensive play and the penalty kill identified as areas to improve, the group must limit chances against and play with greater consistency without the puck. If the returning veterans set that standard on the ice as well as off it, Brynäs will be better placed to support their added forward depth.

IHM Final View

Brynäs have added another major returnee to an already experienced group, creating real leadership potential. But the club’s own assessment remains the clearest test: defensive play and special teams must improve. If Brynäs translate their experience into more reliable goal prevention, they will be better positioned to challenge near the top of the league.

Timrå lose their stars as Gath demands relentless work

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Timrå face a testing season after forwards Jonathan Dahlén and Emil Pettersson left for Switzerland, taking 101 points and 45 goals between them from last season’s squad. The exits, together with departures of Alfons Freij and Sebastian Hartmann, force other players to step up. New head coach Mikael Gath, in his first SHL head-coaching role, has emphasised a hard-working identity. Anton Wedin has accepted responsibility to increase his offensive output, while the club have brought in several new forwards. Timrå were also the league’s least efficient shooting team last season, converting just 9.1% of their shots, and collapsed late in 2025/26 to finish 12th – concerns that have left many predicting a difficult season.

Key Facts

  • Jonathan Dahlén and Emil Pettersson have left Timrå to play in Switzerland.
  • Dahlén and Pettersson combined for 101 points last season and together scored 45 goals.
  • Timrå also lost Alfons Freij and Sebastian Hartmann; Hartmann recorded 20 points last season and has signed for Djurgården after terminating his contract.
  • New head coach Mikael Gath has been appointed; this is his first role as an SHL head coach after previous experience as an assistant.
  • Anton Wedin (33) said the team must work hard and that he expects to be among those to step up offensively.
  • Timrå signed forwards Otto Kivenmäki, Reid Gardiner, Dylan McLaughlin and Lucas Forsell; the Växjö duo Gardiner and McLaughlin combined for 26 goals and 42 points last season.
  • Timrå’s goaltending group includes Jacob Johansson and newcomer Frederik Dichow.
  • Timrå scored the third-fewest goals in the SHL last season and were the league’s least efficient team, scoring on 9.1% of shots.
  • Timrå endured a late-season collapse in 2025/26: four wins in the last 17 matches and seven consecutive games without points to finish 12th.
  • Jeremy Boyce retired after 835 senior games for Timrå and will join the club’s office.
  • Team statistics for 2025/26: 12th place, 63 points, goal difference -21 (127-148). Powerplay 26.6% (6th), penalty kill 69.5% (11th).
  • Jonathan Dahlén was Timrå’s top scorer in 2025/26 with 55 points (30+25).

IHM Discussion

The departure of Dahlén and Pettersson is Timrå’s clearest near-term challenge. Losing two players who combined for 101 points and 45 goals removes finishing ability and established power-play chemistry. Anton Wedin has acknowledged that he must be among those to increase their output after a 12-point season disrupted by injury. He recorded 40 points the previous season, while Timrå have also added several forwards expected to contribute offensively.

Mikael Gath’s arrival signals a reset in approach as well as personnel. Wedin says the new coach has stressed hard work and a clear leadership style, with Timrå aiming to become one of the league’s toughest opponents. That identity may help the side become more competitive, but it will not by itself replace the production lost with Dahlén and Pettersson. Timrå’s season will hinge on whether the new group can improve its finishing and establish productive combinations.

Why It Matters

Timrå’s slide from mid-table in January to 12th place last season, combined with the loss of two leading scorers, reshapes expectations for the club this year. The team’s offensive inefficiency means marginal gains in finishing or clearer deployment of attacking players could have an outsized effect on results. Conversely, if new signings and internal leaders fail to replace production, Timrå risk another season spent fighting to secure SHL status. The coaching change increases the stakes: Gath’s ability to forge a resilient collective will be central if Timrå are to avoid the negative qualifier predicted by some commentators.

Mini Q&A

Who have Timrå lost ahead of the season?

Jonathan Dahlén and Emil Pettersson have left the club to play in Switzerland. Timrå also lost Alfons Freij and Sebastian Hartmann, the latter moving to Djurgården after terminating his contract.

How much production did Dahlén and Pettersson provide last season?

The two combined for 101 points and accounted for 45 goals between them last season.

Who is the new head coach and what is his message?

Mikael Gath has been appointed head coach; it is his first SHL head-coaching role. He has emphasised hard work and wants Timrå to be one of the toughest teams to play against.

Which arrivals are expected to help replace scoring?

Timrå have added Otto Kivenmäki, Reid Gardiner, Dylan McLaughlin and Lucas Forsell among forwards. Goaltender Frederik Dichow is also a newcomer to the squad.

What were Timrå’s main problems last season?

Timrå were the SHL’s least efficient shooting team, scoring on only 9.1% of their shots, scored the third-fewest goals and suffered a late-season collapse to finish 12th.

Coach Mark Comment

Timrå’s replacement for lost scoring must be collective rather than reliant on one player. Gath’s hard-working identity should give the team a base, but improved finishing and effective line combinations will be just as important if the new group is to turn possession into goals.

What Comes Next

Timrå’s form at the season start and the early run of matches will be the immediate checkpoints for whether the new coaching message and the incoming players can make up for the departures. Observers will also watch special teams conversion and Wedin’s personal scoring progress in the opening weeks.

IHM Final View

Timrå enter the season with a clear problem and a clear prescription. The loss of Dahlén and Pettersson is tangible and significant; the answer will lie in a blend of hard work, tactical clarity from Mikael Gath and meaningful contributions from both established players and new signings. If Timrå can increase shooting efficiency and build a cohesive collective, they can avoid a relegation fight. If not, the concerns voiced after last season’s collapse will likely persist.

Lucas Wallmark back to full training ahead of SHL opener

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Lucas Wallmark, the 31-year-old centre who returned home as his club’s captain, has given a positive update on an under-body injury that has kept him out of pre-season. Wallmark told Expressen that his body has reacted well and that he will step up his programme to train at 100 per cent next week. He said “Finally” and added that he is aiming to be available on Friday; he has not played a single pre-season match and was expected to make a comeback against Timrå, while he will sit out the meeting with MoDo earlier in the week. The SHL season opener against Djurgården is scheduled for 19 September, which could be his first league game since the 2016 playoffs.

Key Facts

  • Wallmark said nothing was torn and that the priority was reducing the pain.
  • The 31-year-old centre is a returning home player and serves as his club’s captain, according to his interview with Expressen.
  • After a positive reaction in his recovery, Wallmark says he will increase his workload and train 100 per cent in the coming week.
  • He told Expressen “Äntligen” (” Finally”) about his planned return and that he has been out for a couple of weeks.
  • Wallmark said he is targeting Friday for a return: “Jag siktar på fredag.”
  • He has not played any pre-season matches; his anticipated comeback duty would be against Timrå, while he expects to miss the meeting with MoDo earlier in the week.
  • Since 2016 he has played in the NHL, KHL, Switzerland and at world and Olympic tournaments, as noted.

IHM Discussion

Wallmark’s comments are a player update rather than a medical report: he says his body has responded well and that he plans to step up to full training next week. As a 31-year-old centre and returning captain, his availability carries obvious importance. Having missed the entire pre-season, he may need time to build back into game action, but his plan to train fully and target Friday offers a near-term indication of progress. His experience in the NHL, KHL, Switzerland and international hockey adds to the leadership he can bring when available.

Why It Matters

Wallmark’s return would restore an experienced centre and the club captain ahead of the league opener, adding to the significance of his homecoming. If fit for the early matches, his experience in the NHL, KHL, Switzerland and international hockey could bring depth and leadership.

Mini Q&A

What exactly did Wallmark say about his injury?

He said nothing was torn, but that he needed to reduce the pain. He also said his body had responded positively so far.

When will he return to full training?

Wallmark said he will step up and train at 100 per cent in the coming week.

Is he aiming to play soon?

Yes. He told Expressen he is targeting Friday for a return and that he is looking forward to getting going again.

Has he played any pre-season matches?

No. Wallmark has not played any pre-season matches and was pencilled in to return against Timrå while missing the MoDo meeting earlier in the week.

What Comes Next

Wallmark plans to increase his training to 100 per cent during the coming week and has publicly stated he is targeting a return on Friday. He was expected to make a comeback against Timrå and will sit out the earlier meeting with MoDo. The SHL season opener against Djurgården on 19 September remains a key calendar checkpoint for his potential first league appearance since 2016.

Nitra push Växjö hard but lose 3-1 at Zobor in CHL

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

HK Nitra, the reigning Slovak champion, pushed Swedish side Växjö Lakers all the way in a Champions Hockey League match at Zobor but lost 3-1. Martin Vitaloš scored for Nitra to give the hosts the lead, yet Växjö – a semifinalist in the SHL last season – produced a three-goal turnaround in the third period. Peter Cehlárik registered an assist for Växjö. Both coaches and players praised Nitra’s physical intensity and energy despite the defeat.

Key Facts

  • Final score: Växjö Lakers 3, HK Nitra 1 (3-1).
  • The match was played in Nitra, with HK Nitra as the home side.
  • HK Nitra took the lead through defender Martin Vitaloš, who scored Nitra’s only goal.
  • Växjö Lakers scored three goals in the third period to overturn a 1-0 deficit and win the match.
  • Peter Cehlárik, forward for Växjö, recorded one assist in the game.
  • This was Nitra’s second Champions Hockey League appearance of the campaign and they lost their second match in the competition (two defeats noted in source).
  • Växjö were a semifinalist in the previous SHL season, underlining their standing as a strong visiting side.
  • Nitra’s coach Erik Čaládi said the team showed enormous desire and could be proud despite the result.
  • Växjö coach Björn Hellkvist acknowledged a shaky start for his side but felt they deserved the victory after settling into the game.
  • Martin Vitaloš said he expects the team to improve and adapt further to higher-level European hockey, pointing to an upcoming trip to Finland.

IHM Discussion

This was a match that underlined two linked narratives: Nitra’s willingness to compete physically against established European opposition, and Växjö’s ability to recover from an uncomfortable start. The Slovak champions began strongly – their first period and early second-period play earned genuine praise from Erik Čaládi and produced Martin Vitaloš’s goal – but could not sustain that control through the final 20 minutes.

Björn Hellkvist admitted Växjö were ‘a little shaky’ early on after a difficult outing in Mannheim on Friday, but said his players settled and played with greater clarity as the game went on. The three third-period goals followed that shift in control.

Vitaloš’s strike and his post-match comments offered encouragement for Nitra. The defenceman said the team were more willing to play forward, demand the puck, skate with it and move it more quickly. Cehlárik’s assist, meanwhile, was an important contribution to Växjö’s comeback.

Why It Matters

For HK Nitra, the performance offers positives despite the defeat. The team created chances, led the game and earned praise for its energy and physical approach. Vitaloš said the squad can improve further in Finland as it continues to adapt to higher-quality European hockey.

For Växjö, the comeback delivered a 3-1 victory after a difficult start. Hellkvist felt his side deserved the result once it had settled into the match, while Cehlárik contributed an assist.

Mini Q&A

What was the final score?

Växjö Lakers won 3-1 over HK Nitra (final score 3-1).

Who scored Nitra’s goal?

Defenceman Martin Vitaloš scored Nitra’s only goal.

Did any Slovak player assist for Växjö?

Yes. Slovak forward Peter Cehlárik recorded one assist for Växjö Lakers.

How did the match turn in Växjö’s favour?

Växjö overturned a 1-0 deficit by scoring three times in the third period to win the game.

What did Nitra’s coach Erik Čaládi say after the match?

Čaládi said the team could be proud, they played excellently, showed enormous desire to win and in parts were the better team, but the game turned in the third period.

What Comes Next

Vitaloš said Nitra hope to carry this level of performance forward and be even better and more confident in Finland.

IHM Final View

The result will sting, but the night offered evidence of Nitra’s ability to compete in a demanding continental fixture. They took the lead through Vitaloš before Växjö turned the game with three goals in the third period. Nitra can take encouragement from their energy, movement and willingness to play forward, while Växjö showed composure after an unsettled start.

Cehlárik likely to start Tipsport season with Žilina after Växjö trip

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Peter Cehlárik played a useful part in Växjö Lakers’ 3-1 comeback win at HK Nitra in the 2026/27 Champions Hockey League, providing an assist and finishing with a +2 rating. The Slovak international was Växjö’s second-most used forward, logging 18:05 of ice time. Cehlárik described Nitra as a physical, energetic opponent and said he was pleased Växjö turned the match around in the third period. Swedish tax rules mean Cehlárik has not been training with Växjö in Sweden; instead, he has travelled with the club for fixtures abroad and trained with Vlci Žilina between trips. He said he will go to Žilina on Monday, expects to miss roughly four league games and plans to leave for Sweden towards the end of September.

Key Facts

  • Växjö Lakers beat HK Nitra 3-1 in the Champions Hockey League match referenced.
  • Peter Cehlárik recorded one assist and two plus/minus on the night for Växjö.
  • Cehlárik played 18:05, the second-most ice time of Växjö’s forwards in that game.
  • Nitra led 1-0 after two periods before Växjö scored three times in the third to win 3-1.
  • Cehlárik said Nitra played physically and with energy, which made the match demanding.
  • Because of Swedish tax regulations Cehlárik has not been training with Växjö in Sweden and joins the team only for activities abroad.
  • Cehlárik played pre-season matches for Kiekko-Espoo and the first two Champions League fixtures in Mannheim and then in Nitra.
  • He will join Vlci Žilina on Monday and described it as very realistic that he will play some matches for them at the start of the Tipsport liga season.
  • Cehlárik expects to miss about four league games before leaving for Sweden towards the end of September.
  • Växjö coach Björn Hellkvist said he knows Cehlárik well from Leksand, praised his mature play and noted the player has had a demanding schedule; Hellkvist also joked about not writing Swedish tax laws ahead of the 13 September parliamentary election.
  • The article compares Cehlárik’s situation to Marek Hrivík, who previously experienced a similar arrangement of training but not playing in Sweden.
  • The supplied final score was 3-1.

IHM Discussion

Cehlárik’s current pattern – training with Žilina while travelling with Växjö for fixtures abroad – is an unusual response to the restrictions he described. Växjö have still been able to use him in competitive games, and he supplied an assist in Nitra. For Žilina, a possible short-term spell would give the forward match action while he continues preparing for the Swedish season.

There are obvious practical challenges in moving between squads, including travel, changing systems and new linemates. Cehlárik emphasised the value of remaining in game rhythm, while Hellkvist noted that the forward has had a demanding schedule. The Växjö coach also highlighted Cehlárik’s familiarity with Lucas Elvenes from their time together in Leksand.

Cehlárik compared his circumstances with Marek Hrivík’s previous experience of a similar arrangement. For now, his focus is on playing when possible and becoming fully acquainted with Växjö’s environment.

Why It Matters

Cehlárik’s availability is relevant to both Växjö and Žilina in the opening weeks of the season. A spell with Žilina would give him competitive minutes before his planned move to Sweden, while Växjö can continue integrating him during fixtures outside Sweden. His situation also illustrates how tax rules can affect a player’s pre-season routine and early-season availability.

Mini Q&A

Did Peter Cehlárik contribute in Växjö’s 3-1 win at Nitra?

Yes. He recorded one assist and finished with a +2 plus/minus; Växjö won 3-1 after scoring three goals in the third period.

Why is Cehlárik not training regularly in Sweden with Växjö?

According to the player, Swedish tax regulations mean he does not train with Växjö in Sweden and therefore joins the team only when they are abroad.

Will Cehlárik play for Vlci Žilina at the start of the Tipsport-liga season?

He said he will go to Žilina on Monday and described it as very realistic that he will play some matches at the start of the season; formal appearances are to be confirmed in the coming days.

How many domestic league games does he expect to miss?

Cehlárik estimated that he will miss about four league games before leaving for Sweden.

When does he plan to return to Sweden?

He stated he will leave for Sweden towards the end of September.

What did Växjö coach Björn Hellkvist say about Cehlárik’s situation?

Hellkvist praised Cehlárik’s mature play, noted the player’s demanding travel and match schedule, and made a light-hearted remark that he does not write Swedish tax laws ahead of the 13 September parliamentary election.

Coach Mark Comment

From a coaching perspective, the priority is clarity. A player moving between teams needs a clearly defined role, manageable workload and consistent communication around travel and recovery. Competitive minutes can help Cehlárik maintain his rhythm, while simple, familiar responsibilities should ease his eventual full-time integration with Växjö.

What Comes Next

– Cehlárik will go to Vlci Žilina on Monday and says it is very realistic that he will play some matches at the start of the Tipsport liga season. – He expects to miss approximately four league games before leaving for Sweden towards the end of September. – Hellkvist said he is looking forward to Cehlárik joining Växjö definitively.

IHM Final View

The arrangement is a practical way for Cehlárik to keep playing while his time with Växjö remains limited to activities abroad. He appears likely to feature for Žilina at the start of the Tipsport liga season before leaving for Sweden towards the end of September.

Luleå U20’s Josbrant scores hat-trick in 9-4 victory

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Måns Josbrant produced a striking start to the 2026/27 U20 campaign for Luleå, scoring a hat-trick in Sunday’s 9-4 win over Björklöven. Josbrant struck twice in the first period (making it 3-0 and 5-0) and completed his treble with a goal in the second. Across the opening weekend’s two matches he finished with five goals and two assists, having also scored twice in Saturday’s 4-3 victory over MoDo.

Key Facts

  • Måns Josbrant is Piteå-born and was born in 2008.
  • Josbrant scored three goals against Björklöven: the 3-0 and 5-0 goals in the first period and the 6-0 goal in the second.
  • Across the weekend’s two U20 matches Josbrant recorded five goals and two assists.
  • On Saturday Josbrant scored both goals for Luleå in the 4-3 win over MoDo; those goals were decisive in that match.
  • Luleå U20 beat Björklöven U20 9-4, with period scores 5-0, 3-0, 1-4.
  • Final shots in the Björklöven match were 44-28 in favour of Luleå.
  • Luleå scorers against Björklöven: Oscar Landström, Anton Nilsson, Måns Josbrant (3), Ludwig Skårman (2), Casper Kjölmoen, Benjamin Nyström.
  • Björklöven scorers: Douglas Flygt (2), Philip Hemmyr, Nick Travergård.
  • Josbrant had 42 points in the previous U20 season.
  • Only David Lövgren had more points in the Björklöven match for Luleå, with four points.

IHM Discussion

Josbrant’s opening weekend was driven by production at both ends of the scoresheet: five goals and two assists in two matches. Against Björklöven, Luleå built a decisive eight-goal lead through two periods, while a 44-28 shots advantage reflected their control of the game.

Why It Matters

Josbrant has given Luleå U20 an immediate scoring boost at the start of the campaign. His five goals and two assists across the opening weekend, following a 42-point previous U20 season, provide an early marker for his development.

Mini Q&A

How many goals did Måns Josbrant score against Björklöven?

He scored three goals in that match.

What were Josbrant’s totals for the opening weekend?

Five goals and two assists across two U20 matches.

What was the final score and shots count in Luleå vs Björklöven?

Luleå won 9-4, and the shots were 44-28 in Luleå’s favour.

How did Josbrant perform in the preceding U20 season?

He recorded 42 points during last season’s U20 campaign.

Who else stood out for Luleå in the Björklöven game?

David Lövgren had four points in that game, the most for Luleå on the day.

Coach Mark Comment

An eight-goal advantage after two periods gives a junior side valuable room to manage the game. For Josbrant, a hat-trick plus an assist was a productive contribution within a strong team performance.

IHM Final View

Josbrant’s hat-trick capped an outstanding opening weekend for Luleå U20, with five goals and two assists in two games. Luleå’s emphatic win over Björklöven provided an equally strong start for the group.

Thomas Fröberg to leave as Luleå Hockey GM after season

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Thomas Fröberg, 59, will leave his role as general manager of SHL club Luleå Hockey when his current contract expires at the end of this season. Fröberg has decided not to accept a contract extension for family reasons. He will remain at the club and continue his duties throughout the season, working alongside Ulf Engman. Fröberg highlighted the SM gold won in 2025 as the high point of his two-year tenure and said he is fully focused on finishing with another good season. Club director Per Ekervhen said the club understands Fröberg’s family situation, regrets the departure and welcomes the early clarity so recruitment can begin in good time.

Key Facts

  • Thomas Fröberg is the General Manager of Luleå Hockey and is 59 years old.
  • Fröberg has decided not to extend his expiring contract for family reasons and will leave when the agreement ends after this season.
  • He will continue to work in his role for the remainder of the current season alongside Ulf Engman.
  • Fröberg said: “Because of my family’s situation, and that the club wants to work long-term towards the future, I have chosen to decline an extension as General Manager for Luleå Hockey when my agreement expires after this season. I have had two fantastic years with the club with the SM gold in 2025 as the absolute highlight, and I am fully focused on finishing with another good season.”
  • Club director Per Ekervhen said the club is sorry Fröberg will not continue, understands his family situation and is pleased to have an early decision so recruitment can begin in good time.

IHM Discussion

Luleå’s announcement is a clear leadership turning point. Fröberg’s decision to step away at the end of the season is framed around personal and family reasons and was reached after extended conversations with the club’s hierarchy. That it was communicated early gives Luleå time to manage the transition without the disruption of a late-season scramble. The sporting highlight of Fröberg’s spell – the SM title in 2025 – underlines his successful two-year tenure and will be the immediate reference point for any successor’s brief. With Fröberg remaining in post to the season’s end and sharing duties with Ulf Engman, the club retains operational continuity while preparing for recruitment.

Why It Matters

A general manager departure affects more than the executive chair. An early announcement gives Luleå time to begin its recruitment process and plan for the transition before the off-season. With Fröberg remaining in post until the end of the campaign alongside Ulf Engman, the club retains continuity while it prepares for the next appointment.

Mini Q&A

Who is leaving Luleå Hockey?

Thomas Fröberg, the club’s 59-year-old General Manager, will leave when his contract expires after this season.

Why is Fröberg stepping down?

Fröberg has declined a contract extension for family reasons, according to his statement to the club.

Will Fröberg stay with the club until the end of the season?

Yes. He will continue working in his role throughout the season alongside Ulf Engman to steer the club to the end of the campaign.

What did Fröberg cite as the highlight of his time at Luleå?

He identified the SM gold in 2025 as the absolute highlight of his two years with the club.

How has the club responded to the decision?

Club director Per Ekervhen said the club regrets the departure, understands Fröberg’s family situation and welcomes the early clarity so recruitment can begin in good time.

Coach Mark Comment

Early clarity gives the hockey operations group a defined transition period. With Fröberg remaining in his role through the season, Luleå can maintain continuity while setting recruitment priorities for the next general manager.

What Comes Next

Luleå has said the early notice allows it to begin recruitment work in good time. Fröberg will continue his duties alongside Ulf Engman through the remainder of the season.

IHM Final View

Fröberg will leave with a championship from his two years in charge. Early clarity gives Luleå time to recruit a successor while maintaining continuity through the end of the season.

Zackrisson won’t throw in the towel despite guilty conscience

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

Mattias Zackrisson will be part of Linköping HC’s staff for the 2026/27 season, a rare point of continuity after a disruptive period at the club. Reportedly, with LT, the assistant coach described mixed feelings about remaining while several colleagues, including sporting director Peter Jakobsson and head coach Mikael Håkanson, departed. Zackrisson was behind the bench at Scaniarinken for a recent training match and praised his former club’s collective effort. He said he felt flattered to have been retained, while also feeling guilty towards those who had to leave. Having signed a two-year contract, he said he was not prepared to walk away simply because decisions had been made above him.

Key Facts

  • The 2026/27 season will be the first in some time without a Zackrisson represented on the roster.
  • Mattias Zackrisson was behind the bench at Scaniarinken for a training match last week and praised his former club’s collective effort afterwards.
  • A training match mentioned finished 2-1 to the visitors.
  • Linköping HC experienced a turbulent off-season: sporting director Peter Jakobsson left, followed by head coach Mikael Håkanson and assistant Magnus Johansson (the latter has returned as a player developer).
  • Zackrisson said he felt flattered to have been retained by Linköping after last season and acknowledged mixed emotions about staying.
  • He said he had a two-year contract he intends to honour and explicitly stated he did not want to ‘throw in the towel’ because of decisions made above him.
  • Tony Mårtensson, assistant sporting director to Peter Jakobsson, resigned when Jakobsson was dismissed.
  • For 2026/27 Zackrisson will work alongside Anders ‘Ante’ Karlsson and Martin Gudmundsson.
  • Zackrisson previously spent three years in Södertälje before his first chance in the SHL.
  • A brother of Zackrisson has chosen to return to Leksand ahead of the coming season.

IHM Discussion

Linköping’s decision to retain Mattias Zackrisson offers a degree of continuity in a club otherwise marked by turnover. The summer brought significant departures from the sporting hierarchy and coaching staff; retaining an assistant gives the new staff group some familiarity. Zackrisson’s remarks combine professional acceptance with personal discomfort: he said he felt flattered to have been kept on but also spoke of a guilty conscience towards colleagues who left. His position is clear. He signed for two years, intends to honour that contract and does not want to resign because of decisions taken above him.

Why It Matters

For Linköping, retaining a coach who knows the organisation reduces the immediate disruption of an off-season marked by executive and coaching departures. Continuity among staff can help stabilise player routines, systems and culture as new leadership takes shape around Anders Karlsson and Martin Gudmundsson. For Zackrisson personally, staying on keeps him in the SHL coaching ranks and offers an opportunity to press for professional vindication after a difficult season. His visible unease about colleagues who left also humanises the club’s restructuring and underlines that personnel changes have internal consequences beyond tactical adjustments.

Mini Q&A

Is Mattias Zackrisson staying with Linköping for 2026/27?

Yes.

Why did Zackrisson say he felt conflicted about staying?

He said he felt guilty towards colleagues who were dismissed and that the situation produced ‘mixed feelings’, even though he was flattered to have been retained.

Did Zackrisson consider resigning in protest?

He said he would not simply resign. He has a two-year contract he wants to honour and did not want to ‘throw in the towel’ because a decision was taken over his head.

What departures at Linköping were mentioned?

Sporting director Peter Jakobsson left; head coach Mikael Håkanson also left; assistant Magnus Johansson departed from the coaching role and has returned as a player developer. Tony Mårtensson resigned when Jakobsson was dismissed.

How did Zackrisson assess the team in the recent training match?

After a training match at Scaniarinken, he praised his former club’s effort, saying the side pulled together and worked as a team, with everyone battling hard.

What Comes Next

Zackrisson will work alongside Anders ” Ante” Karlsson and Martin Gudmundsson in the 2026/27 season, which is the coming season referenced.

IHM Final View

Linköping’s choice to keep Mattias Zackrisson is a pragmatic bid for stability after a disruptive summer. His commitment to honour a two-year contract and to remain at the club despite personal misgivings consolidates continuity inside the SHL side, but his frank comments also highlight the emotional fallout that accompanies sporting restructurings.

Nitra to host Växjö Lakers in Champions Hockey League

By IceHockeyMan Editorial Team | Published:

Story Summary

HK Nitra return to Champions Hockey League action on 6 September when they host Swedish side Växjö Lakers. The match, scheduled to begin at 17:00, follows Nitra’s 1:6 loss to reigning Swedish champions Skellefteå AIK in their opening CHL fixture. Växjö arrive off a 1:3 defeat by Mannheim in round one and following a four-match pre-season programme that included wins over Malmö and Kiekko-Espoo. The officials are referees Martin Jobbágy and Filip Crman, with Matúš Stanzel and Daniel Konc on the lines.

Key Facts

  • Match: HK Nitra v Växjö Lakers, Champions Hockey League, round two.
  • Date and time (as stated): 06.09.2026, puck drop 17:00.
  • HK Nitra lost their CHL opener to Skellefteå AIK 1:6.
  • Växjö Lakers lost their CHL opener to Mannheim 1:3.
  • Växjö played a four-game pre-season: beat Malmö 2:1, lost 2:3 after overtime to Rögle, then beat Kiekko-Espoo 3:2 and 3:1.
  • HK Nitra’s pre-season results listed: lost 0:2 to Zlín, beat Ferencváros 6:2, beat Zlín 7:3 and beat Tychy 3:0.
  • Referees: Martin Jobbágy and Filip Crman; linesmen: Matúš Stanzel and Daniel Konc (Slovak officiating quartet).

IHM Discussion

The fixture pits a Slovak champion fresh into European competition against a Swedish semifinalist with recent SHL pedigree. Nitra’s heavy opening-day defeat to Skellefteå underlined the step up in opposition they face in the Champions Hockey League, while Växjö’s 1:3 reverse to Mannheim shows the Swedish side are not immune to early setbacks. Both clubs arrive with clear match practice from their pre-season schedules: Växjö completed a compact four-game programme that included wins and a narrow overtime loss, whereas Nitra recorded a run of positive results after an initial friendly defeat to Zlín. The combination of Nitra’s home advantage and Växjö’s recent preparation sets up a contest where both teams will be seeking immediate responses after opening-round defeats.

Why It Matters

For Nitra, this game is part of their return to the Champions Hockey League after several seasons away; a strong home performance would be important for confidence and their standing in the competition. For Växjö, an away victory would provide an early response to their opening-game defeat.

Mini Q&A

When and where does the match take place?

The fixture is at HK Nitra’s home rink on 06.09.2026 with puck drop at 17:00, as stated.

How did Nitra fare in their opening Champions League match?

HK Nitra lost 1:6 to reigning Swedish champion Skellefteå AIK in their opening Champions Hockey League match.

What were Växjö Lakers’ recent results before this game?

Växjö lost 1:3 to Mannheim in the CHL opener and had a four-game pre-season that included a 2:1 win over Malmö, a 2:3 overtime loss to Rögle, and two wins over Kiekko-Espoo, 3:2 and 3:1.

Who are the match officials?

The game will be officiated by referees Martin Jobbágy and Filip Crman, with Matúš Stanzel and Daniel Konc on the lines.

What Comes Next

The match is scheduled to start at 17:00 on 6 September.

IHM Final View

Växjö will be equally intent on bouncing back from their own first-round loss. With experienced officials appointed and both sides carrying recent pre-season form, the match should give an early indication of how each club will handle continental competition this season.