It was the best of times;
it was the worst of times!!!
(Charles Dickens)
[Weekly Update Week 49/50 ]
Games:
Växjö Lakers 6 - Malmö Redhawks 2
Malmö Redhawks 4 - Bofors Bobcats 2
Many Malmö fans would have been forgiven for quietly admitting to themselves that reaching the play offs at the end of the year was just a formality. A five star performance the weekend before against AIK was evidence enough of the prowess of this team. A journey up the road to Växjö would surely confirm that Malmö Redhawks were streets ahead of the opposition.
 Fate has such a cruel way of bringing folks back down to earth, this time with a serious bang. From the start Vaxjö Lakers, playing in front of a passionate home crowd, were in the ascendancy. Mikael Wahlberg (assist Riihijarvi) scored Malmö?s second with less than a minute less on the clock. Forty eight minutes earlier Johan Norgren (assisted by Mäkiaho and Öberg) equalised an early Växjö lead. In the intervening time Malmö conceded another 5 goals to go down to the hosts 6-2. There was little positive to be taken from this game for the visitors. Malmö coach, Lars Bergström, said after the game ?I was unhappy with our input this evening, a fair result for Växjö?. The official Redhawks website headlined ?From seasons best to seasons worst?. All sufficiently described the poor performance from the strongest team in the league.
 The last game before the Christmas holiday took place on Sunday December 11th at Malmö Isstadion. It was an important game against Bofors Bobcats. The Bobcats had been playing well and found themselves challenging the top three before this encounter. Malmö needed to get back to winning ways after crushing defeat midweek.
A crucial game for both teams, a potential banana skin for Malmö.
Despite Malmö taking an early lead through Andre Savage (assist Wahlberg, Tomik) it was the visitors who seemed more dominant. Two goals from Wiklander saw Bofors ahead after 30 minutes. Hirsch then saved a penalty shot (Bofors coach believed that the puck had crossed the line) and within two minutes Malmö were level after Marcus Matthiasson scored (assisted by Riihijarvi, Sekeras). A dictionary definition of a turning point. With further goals from Carl Soderberg (assisted by Matthiasson, Riihijarvi) and Robert Tomik (assist Savage) Malmö ran out 4-2 winners. Coach Bergström felt that ?Malmö were justified winners today. We remain unbeaten at home and that feels good?. Despite this he was not entirely happy with the performance, ?We fumbled a lot in the first period. We started with two box plays. We moved the puck around better in the powerplay later on but we still conceded a lot of penalties. We had no rhythm to our game and when Bofors made it 1-1 we lost a little of our concept?
With over two weeks to the next game Malmö will be pleased to go into Christmas clear at the top by two points despite two less than pleasing performances in the previous few days.
OTHER NEWS There were lots of significant moves of the ice for the Redhawks these last few days as well.
New Stadium
Most significantly was the announcement of the plans for the new ice hockey stadium just outside the city. Approval has not yet been given by the city authorities but at this stage that seems just a formality. All involved are very excited at this new project, due for completion in 2008. Redhawks new home will hopefully also see a host of other events particularly Swedish international matches as well as other indoor events.
A large crowd turned out to see the first sod being turned, although work will not begin on the site until the spring time. A very proud day for the man behind the project, Percy Nilsson.
Ins and Outs
In the short term there has been movement within the playing staff.
Number 22 , Jani Virtanen , whose contract expires after the Bofors game, will leave the club after his contract was not renewed. More surprisingly was the departure of Tony Makiaho (75). By mutual agreement between the club and player. Tony will continue his career in Switzerland.
 There has also been a significant addition to the team. Latvian international forward, Alexandrs Semjonovs(pictured) has signed for the club. Sporting Director, Peter Andersson, says that ?All is ready and the contracts have been signed by all the relevant parties?. Andersson is not entirely sure when Semjonov will join the squad but hopes that he will be ready to play in Malmös next game on December 26th. He is also signed for upcoming internationals for Latvia. Andersson goes on to say ?He is a typical forward, with good game insight and puck control. I am sure he is an addition to the squad, otherwise we would not have taken him?
The Red Match Jerseys
The red match jerseys worn by the Redhawks against Rögle and AIK are being auctioned. Bids can be entered on www.malmoredhawks.com or by clicking on the picture.
Malmös next match is on Monday December 26th against Nykoping. Follow the game live online or on Sports Zapp.
Story told by: John Noonan
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