HV71 is above the qualifying line for the first time since September
JÖNKÖPING. HV71 and Andy Miele have had a tough season.
A place to qualify throughout the season has been rumored away from the Yankees.
Against Färjestad, Miele took real revenge scoring twice in the first half.
There was excitement in the air at Husqvarna Park.
HV71 for the first time this season, at least after the SHL schedule was set, had a chance to cross the qualifying line. The team was in place on September 11 on September 28 last fall, but after that, the teams played only three and four games.
Since then, the gray and black have been in the former champion club.
And there was a massive team shake-up too, with all three coaches replaced and players added and gone faster than lightning.
No one on the team was safe when General Manager Kent Norberg saw everything and everyone in the process of making the team build better.
Offered to other clubs
So does this summer’s signing Olympian Andy Meili, who played in the K-League and Switzerland last season. The team’s management was not satisfied with him and he was offered to other clubs. He was also taken off the team for one match, a home match against Timra on 31 January. One reason must be that Melia showed unacceptable behavior after a losing match against Lulea on January 28, Melia played minus 3 in plus-minus stats and was relatively unconcerned with the outcome.
The petting had an effect.
And the coach changes as well.
Against Farjestad, the HV71 started the strongest overall. And Andy Meili in particular. Mele scored 1-0 and 2-0 in the first half and Mele helped set up the decisive game 3-1 in the midsection. He seemed to feel more comfortable in the new role of striker and avoid the central responsibility he had at the start of the season.
The win was very important for HV71, who now have four wins in their last five matches.
Now you’ve finally crossed the qualifying line and are breathing in the morning air.