The HV71 changes the captain’s lineup.
Niklas Hjalmarsson replaces Taylor Mattsson as captain.
– His clothes have improved and he entered with good leadership qualities, says coach Tommy Samuelson.
Changing captain roles is usually a classic procedure after a heavy sporting period.
HV71 has had a difficult comeback in the SHL and is second in terms of qualification and has suffered nearly six straight losses.
It was reported from inside HV71 that Niklas Hjalmarsson, with his three Stanley Cup titles, has taken on a lot of responsibility in the locker room as unofficial captain since joining the team.
Now the 35-year-old is officially captain in place of Swedish-speaking American center Taylor Mattson.
– With the situation we are in, we need to send a signal to the team. The decision is not against Taylor Mattson, who will continue to be part of the captain’s group. Niklas Hjalmarsson is an example both in the gym, in the locker room, and on the ice, says Tommy Samuelsson.
I played for about a month
Niklas Hjalmarsson will be assisted by Taylor Mattson and former co-captains Andy Mele and Andre Peterson.
After a season off, Niklas Hjalmarsson has moved into his home in Jönköping this summer.
On 24 November away against Skellefteå, he returned to his HV71 suit and has now played the last 11 matches.
Initially Niklas Hjalmarsson formed a back pair with Erik Martinsson, after a match with Joey Lalegia, No. 4 Niklas Hjalmarsson played the last two matches alongside No. 44 Emil Andre.
This week, HV71 plays away at Skellefteå on Tuesday evening, at home to Brynäs on Thursday evening and away to Rögle on Saturday afternoon.
