HV71 wants to make a change.
And the person who was sent off was the club’s former golden champion, assistant coach Johan Auckermann:
– The first thing you do is start questioning yourself, what could I have done differently, could I have done something more? Ackerman says.
As we speak, it’s been a little over a day since he got that call from HV Sports Director Kent Norberg. It was Thursday and a training day off for HV71, who are languishing at the bottom of the table. Auckermann, 50, was at home in Linköping when the phone rang.
– I was told they needed to make a change, he says.
And what was the justification?
– Perhaps the three of us were very similar coaches.
do you agree?
– No, I think we had discussions high and low. Above all, there are three guys who hate losing and are passionate about their mission. Perhaps this is what we have in common.
Did you get any indications that something is going on?
– No, there are no such signals, and at the same time you are aware of the situation all the time when you are in our present place.
Support for known and unknown temperatures
Immediately after the call from Kent-Nürburg, Johan Auckermann got in the car and drove 13 miles south to Jönköping. Alone in the training room, he did what he went there to do:
I gathered my things and made room for my successor. I felt like I wanted to get rid of him as soon as possible.
Auckermann did not know at the time that Charles Berglund would be the one to replace him.
How was the trip down to Jönköping?
— there was a lot of introspection, a lot of disappointment, and brooding. All things that really show that the job means a lot. At the same time, there were already a lot of calls. Among other things, from all my coaching teammates, I’ve had incredible support from them. Many players have contacted us, and that means a lot.
Exactly what support he has received, both known and unknown, is something Åkerman wants to thank for:
– There was very strong support from the hockey family. We’ve reached out to old colleagues who I’ve never spoken to and they’ve shown strong support in this situation, it’s appreciated.
During his eleven-year coaching career, this was the first time he had been fired.
Participated in saving Linköping from remaining in the SHL
How was the first day?
– It’s so empty when you wake up and you don’t have to go to something you’re passionate about and put so much energy into.
His job description at HV71 was responsible for playing power and not the least being a link between the A team and junior side.
– There, my task was to provide a good environment for the juniors that we introduced for training and matches. In addition to watching as many junior matches as I could, I also attended their training sessions.
When there was a crisis at Linköping two years ago – the team was in a qualifying position and Bert Robertson had been fired – it was Johan Ackermann who took over the team with Daniel Ericsson.
The two saw Linköping remain without a qualifying match.
– The experience I gained from this situation is my best coaching experience, helping to save the LHC. Now the HV71 was in more or less the same situation and I thought my experience would be an advantage.
Are you disappointed?
– Of course, I am disappointed in such a situation. Like I said, I’ve been in a similar situation and came away with very good experiences.
The rest of the coaching staff, coach Tommy Samuelsson, assistant Fredrik Stillman, and goalkeeping coach William Rahm, were allowed to keep their jobs when Kent Norberg changed hands.
If he lets you leave alone, does that make you feel like a scapegoat?
– Surely you feel alone in such a situation, when the change you make is that I single you out individually.
Greetings to all HV supporters
Do you feel any guilt?
In all this questioning of things, there are certainly things I could have done differently. I can’t extricate myself from such an equation, but it didn’t take long for a clear analysis. In all of the disappointment, I feel utterly guilty that the team didn’t progress further.
Johan Auckermann was a star back-up for HV71 between 2006-2008. He won the SHL’s Scoring League for the Defenders and played home runs for the club’s SM Gold.
– Of course I have strong ties with HV after the successful trip that was then, but HV is not the same bond today as I used to play there.
in which way?
– Then I joined a union whose core consisted of players from Jönköping who were at the peak of their careers. Back then there was a lot that was apparent in how the business was run and now there are very few balls in the air.
What do you think of the end of the season and the future of HV?
– I only want the best for the team and if you are the reason we can’t do what we planned, I hope things will improve now. The team they are building now should be able to survive in the SHL.
What do you want to say to HV fans?
– I and the entire management team were disappointed that we didn’t get a better result. With the support we’ve received, we should be significantly higher in the table. This part, the fans and everyone who supports the team, has been there since I myself played with HV71, although the union has changed, says Johan Auckermann.