Frederick Weigel returned to the sold-out court on Maundy Thursday.
Björklöven’s first center stirred passions in Djurgården.
– It’s like a Chihuahua running and barking at German Shepherds, trainer Johann Garbenlöf tells Hockeynews.
The first semi-final started in Umeå with a big smile shining across the arena.
Friedrich Weigel provoked and participated in frequent fights on the ice.
The 30-year-old centre-back has been up front several times and has spoken to Djurgården goalkeeper Karl Lindbom.
It was also at the start of the match that he distributed shrapnel on Lucas Vejdimo’s calf which later led to his suspension in the second match.
Stealing strikes were delivered exactly where there is a lack of protection and where the Djurgårds forward had previously had injury problems.
“I don’t know if I should say”
Now Fredrik Weigel is back when the semi-final series shifts to Hovet in Stockholm for matches on Maundy Thursday and Easter Eve.
– I don’t know whether to say this or not. It’s like a chihuahua running around the shepherds barking. This is his way of playing. Johann Garbinloff says he got it started.
Fredrik Weigel has otherwise played the hockey of his life in recent weeks and is Bjorkloven’s top scorer in the playoffs with nine points (three goals and six assists) in six games.
He quarterbacked American right-handed shooting Nick Shilkie and Scott Polley.
– It’s just a scolding and nothing else. Just ignore it and let it be. Let him do his work and we’ll focus on our own, says Johann Garbinlöf.
The stars are back
For the third match, Linus Claassen and Daniel Brodin both returned to Djurgården.
However, Karl Lindbom is still out and Mathieu Galagda must continue in the penalty area.
They are 1–1 in best-of-seven matches after the opening two matches in Umeå finished 3-2 and 1-4.
Stockholm-born Fredrik Weigel grew up in Djurgården and also played for AIK and Södertälje, among others.
