Ten years later, referee Markus Vinerborg returned to Swedish hockey.
But only for one night.
– We’re not looking to hijack him, referee Bjorn Vettergren tells Sportbladet.
In 2010, former Elitsiri referee Marcus Vinerborg made history when he became the first European referee in the National Hockey League, when he faced Dallas Anaheim.
During his career, he made a series of World Cup tournaments and spent the last ten years abroad. Among others in Switzerland and Norway.
On Wednesday evening, he returned to Swedish hockey, when Östersund faced AIK.
“Wow he wanted to come here.”
Chief referee Bjorn Wettergren was on the scene and called up Wienerburg, who would only play one match.
– Referees today and it’s part of an exchange we had with the Norwegian league where we also sent referees there to learn from each other, Wettergren told Sportbladet and continued:
That’s why Marcus was naturally brought here. Although he has been away from Swedish hockey for a long time, he is perhaps our most worthy referee. Anyway, he’s the only one to referee in the NHL, so it’s great that he wanted to come here.
Can the transition become permanent?
– It’s part of the stock exchange, but I’m not going to close any doors. He lives in Norway and rules there, and we’re not out to kidnap him. But of course we are always interested in competent judges.
The match is in progress – the text has been updated.