– It is not good. I don’t think the increase is good. Many young talents gravitate too early to Swedish hockey. I know Sweden has good training, but there are many good development opportunities here too. This is what the Swedish Vålerenga coach Fredrik Andersson says to news. For many years, young Norwegian hockey talent has traveled to the neighboring country with the aim of playing at the highest level. In 2022, 14 boys aged 16 to 18 traveled to Sweden. All were in either the U20 squad or the A-team squad for clubs at the second-highest or highest level in Norway. – Many have too bad a time, but they don’t have to. They must have more patience. The Norwegian league builds good organizations with good coaches, so that you can continue training in your hometown, the coach believes. Andersson: – Must be very careful The Swedish elite series coach believes that young players benefit from being able to develop in a familiar environment. – What I have seen after watching a lot of Swedish hockey is that when they move early, they become more vulnerable. I think as a young player, a home is best. Andersson stated earlier this year that Vålerenga’s great talent Gabriel Koch left the Norwegian league prematurely. The youngster signed a contract with Malmö last summer. ANDERSSON’S STUDENT: Several Swedish clubs are following Vålerenga player Stian Solberg. Photo: Annika Byrde / NTB This season, Stian Solberg is one of the hottest talents in Norwegian hockey. Andersson has long been aware that it is too early for the young back talent to travel abroad already now. – Yes, I think so, replies the coach when he is confronted with his own statements. – For some, it might suit them perfectly, but one must be very careful. In addition to performing in sports, one must manage everything else on the side. As I said, it is not so easy to move there at a young age. According to Andersson, there are too many challenges when you don’t master that process. – It will be very painful, so one must think carefully and have good advisers to make the right decision. A challenging process The great talent Martin Johnsen (18) is one of many who have traveled to the neighboring country at a young age. Only 16 years old, he signed a contract with the Swedish club Färjestad. Johnsen understands that Andersson is critical of many young talents moving to Sweden. – It is very individual. Some people cannot cope with everything that comes with it, such as being and living alone at a young age, while others develop very well in this way. – I feel I have developed in the right direction, and become more independent both on and off the ice, he adds. He himself can identify with Andersson’s problems. – It was hard for a period. You have to fend for yourself, and I found that a bit tough. But fortunately, I came to a professional environment, became a sign and got used to it. Then things became easier, admits Johnsen. MOVE: Martin Johnsen chose to leave everything that was safe in the pursuit of becoming a better hockey player. – The level differences are big He plays for Färjestad’s 20-year-old team every day, but last year Johnsen had his big dream come true. The 18-year-old made his debut at the highest level in Sweden (SHL). – It was really cool. The level differences are large, and that is one of the reasons why I chose to bet here, he says. Andersson believes the opportunity to play in the SHL is what attracts many of the young talents. – It’s clear they want it, and later maybe in the NHL. Something I think many of the talents will do in the future, but they must know how far they have come. “Several moved too early simply,” concludes the trainer.
ttn-69
Norwegian talent goes to Sweden – Swedish coach now defends – news Sport – Sports news, results and broadcasting schedule
