ALL QUIET ON THE REDHAWKS FRONT

Update, Week 45.

It’s been all quiet in Malmö Ice Stadium this week. There has been no competitive hockey in Sweden as the national team were playing in the Karjala Cup.
No Redhawks players featured in the tournament so head coach, Lars Bergström, had almost a full squad available for training on the ice and some physical work.

One player was away on international duty. Malmös number 8, Kim Staal was playing with his native Denmark in the EIHC tournament in Oslo, Norway. Even though the results did not go Denmark’s way Staal did score Denmark’s only two goals of the tournament. Denmark were beaten 4-1 by Belarus and 1-2 by Norway. Staal will be most remembered in North America as the one of the goal scorers in Denmark’s surprise victory over the USA during the IIHF World Cup in 2003, Finland.

The biggest news from Malmö Redhawks this week has been the signing of a new player. Simon Skoog has been brought in from Elitserien team Brynäs.
Sports Director, Peter Andersson says that “We have been a little short (on players) in defence over recent matches, this will certainly be a welcome addition” Defenceman, Skoogs 105kg and 190cm will certainly add to competition for a place in the starting line up. He is expected to arrive at the club on Monday or Tuesday.

Despite the welcome break from a tough schedule the players have had to endure a hard week in training. They started the week with some demanding physical work and finished the week with some ice training which will continue on Monday and Tuesday. Bergström is hoping to have a full squad available on Monday including the return of Staal.

With the first break in the season one is tempted to look back and see how have things gone so far. Malmö must be pleased with development, in particular with the number of goals scored. Bergström will be hoping for continued improvement on the road. With all the top teams in the league coming to Malmö over the next few weeks, (in particular local rivals Rögle) everyone involved with the club will be hoping for even further progress.

Redhawks fans are preparing to say a final goodbye to their friend and companion Benny Hansen. Benny, as reported earlier, died whilst traveling on the last road trip to Umeå last weekend. He will be buried on Friday.

Redhawks next game is also on Wednesday night. Another road trip to Nyköping this time where the puck drops at 1900CET. Live updates on malmoredhawks.com and on Sports Zapp.




Text: John Noonan