Gothenburg. There has always been a great rivalry between Färjestad and Frölunda.
When Sportbladet revealed this week that Gustav Rydahl had chosen Frölunda over Färjestad, it eased the tension between the two clubs.
– Now as it is, he chooses, says Viktor Eggedsel of the Varjestad Center.
It was deemed the biggest news bomb of the season earlier in the week.
Gustav Rydahl has opted for a long-term contract at Frölunda ahead of Färjestad when he moves home from North America for next season.
The big fan favorite who was one of SM’s great golden champions last season and who gets to chant “Kungen från Råtorp” (the residential area on the other side of Klarälven from the main square).
It aroused very strong feelings in both the fans and the club, Gustav Rydal’s pictures in the arena should be removed.
– We have clearly noted the headlines. I think it’s a shame and it will be special when he goes to Frolunda. Gurra is a good hockey player and we wish he was in Färjestad. Now he is the way he is, he made his choice. There’s not much we can influence now, we have to focus on what’s ours and put it aside, says Viktor Eggesel of the Varjestad Center.
“You should stay in the NHL.”
Färjestad beat Frölunda 2-0 to a sold-out Scandinavian countries in the final round of the SHL.
Now third in the table, they will meet Frolanda, who are third in the table, and Frolanda will also meet in a hot quarter-final in a best-of-seven match.
Frölunda’s players were more hesitant in their comments about Gustav Rydahl joining the squad for next season.
– Is this correct? I didn’t know he would do that. Is this correct? He should be playing in the NHL, he’s really good. Personally, I think he should stay and give it a shot. That’s what I can say about it. I did it. He’s a really good player and deserves the chance to play in the National Hockey League. He must fight and fight for this place. We’ll see, says Frolunda defender Christian Follen.
– I haven’t heard anything about her. So far it’s just rumors and this next season. For us, the focus is on the here and now. Before the quarter-finals, it was all about the historical feelings between the two teams, says Frolunda center Niklas Laso.
Farjestad confirmed it
Gustav Rydal has not yet been introduced in any way by Frölunda and belongs to Denver’s Colorado Avalanche.
– Perhaps it is very important to comment on Aftonbladet’s information that Gustav Rydal has chosen another option, I have been informed. It’s very sad, said Rikard Wallen, Färjestad’s sports director, at a members’ meeting this week.
The SC quarter-final match between Färjestad and Frölunda starts next Friday in Karlstad.
