Until Christmas, the SHL will evaluate the qualification mechanism and the number of teams in our highest leagues.
And many opinions.
– It is scattered, but personally I think that more teams in the SHL means that the Premier League appears in more places, says Roger Ekstrom, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the SHL.
Six years ago, when the previous investigation or evaluation was carried out, a timetable was set for revision of the qualification mechanism. Then, in 2017, the system was changed so that two teams in Hockeyallsvenskan meet in a final and the winner goes to the SHL. In the same way, the two worst teams in the SHL meet in the final game with the loser relegated to the second division.
– If we want to change something, it is the Confederation meeting in 2025 that will make the decision and the change can see the light of day in 2026. However, we decided internally at the SHL that we would also review the number of teams in the series when we evaluate anyway, he says Roger Ekstrom, President, SHL.
Now the evaluation work has begun and the coaches and athletic directors have discussed the hot topics this spring lively.
The work continues through the month of September, during which both the club’s directors and the chairman of the board must agree and all areas from sport, business and the overall vision of Swedish hockey must be taken into account.
Opinions abound.
It’s widespread – now.
– I don’t see a common thread yet. Some come to the conclusion that “what the hell is that, it’s good the way it is.” And if you look at public interest in both the SHL and Hockeyallsvenskan, audience records were broken and this without representation from the capital in our highest league, Ekström goes on and gives his personal opinion on the issue of the number of teams in the SHL.
– The advantage of more teams is that we have our first league in more places, and we see the SHL in more places. With less teams only in SHL, I don’t see any advantages. But if you shrink teams in both the SHL and Hockey Allsvenskan, Hockey Allsvenskan will get stronger, says Ekström.
This issue will be explored and discussed during the fall. Expect many opinions and ideas.
– Before Christmas, we at SHL should know what we stand for. At the same time, we have a dialogue with allsvenskan hockey and their leaders on this issue, concludes Ekström.