SDHL’s Oscar Alsenfelt opens up that the SHL should take over the intervention project

The answer: “I wouldn’t have kept the job then.”

The SDHL remediation project has worked well.

Now sporting director Oscar Elsenfelt is opening the door that perhaps the men should follow suit.

– Then I wouldn’t have a job, says Oskar Hamn Oskar Engsund.

Prior to last season, the SDHL, as the first country and league, began a pilot project allowing tackles and more physical play in women’s hockey.

As a general rule, this means that physical play along the edges and in the same direction as play on open ice that takes place from east to west is permitted. But not between north and south.

“There is some risk of infection.”

After evaluating this summer, the league decided to continue during the 2023/2024 season.

– It went very well. There has been higher intensity, better play, more fitness, and better hockey in general. All players think it’s good, about 90 percent. SDHL Sporting Director Oscar Elsenfelt said at the opening meeting that the referees and all the clubs are very happy.

Alsenfelt does not believe that the plan in the future is to move closer to men’s hockey and increase the tackle rate.

I don’t think we should invest in making it the way it is for men. Perhaps we should turn this question around. Let’s see if the men will have it like we have now in the ladies. “I don’t know if the tackles between the north and the south make the game more interesting, but I do know there are some risks of injury,” he says.

The person is positive

What do the SHL players themselves think of the former great goalkeeper’s thoughts on tackles?

Joel Pearson from Växjö is positive.

– I think it was an interesting idea that Snivelette came to your mind today. I’ve never really thought that way before. I don’t think the game will be that much less fun but it will probably prevent a certain number of concussions per season. So why not give it a try, says Joel Pearson Växjöbacken.

Oskarshamn’s Oscar Engsund, one of the most frequent forwards in the SHL, isn’t completely sold.

– I understand the idea, but I don’t think it should be removed, says the team captain.

And you, who is also my body, will you lose it?

– Yes Yes. Then I wouldn’t have any jobs left. So we have to maintain that, he says with a laugh.