Hellkvist: “You have suffered a political game”

His first day with his new ice hockey club was marked by meetings with players and coaches, as well as planning for the future. Describe the feeling as a relief:

– It is great to finally know what will happen, says Björn Hellkvist.

TT: Do you understand that this transition has generated so much criticism and aroused many emotions?

– All people have the right to think and think their opinions. But here there has always been a respectable tone between me and Modo. Our relationship has been at a professional level. Since then, negotiations have been difficult. It’s natural.

TT: Attenuates the situation, at the same time there have been many harsh comments between you and Modo. What is the truth

– One thing has been highlighted in the media, but nobody has had that tone directly for me. Also, people in Örnsköldsvik have not treated me as badly as you might think. I have received a very respectful and good reception. That is the true version.

TT: You talked about the air that comes out in Modo. Did it happen when the crown crisis stopped the sport?

– It was mostly a feeling of “hey, what is this?” You can’t put it into words. When Leksand contacted me, I asked for two days of reflection and then gave a positive response. I wanted to get some kind of reignition. When I gave Leksand positive signs, I realized it would be a scream.

TT: What do you bring with you in this story as a coach?

– It gives me a richer experience. This is something I have never experienced before. Clearly it hurts to break. But it may also be evolving on an individual level.

– At the same time, all ruptures are unfolding and create the opportunity for freedom. If you part with something you have clung to, then you must break new ground. I do it now in Leksand. I am here and testing my wings.

– For a month I have been through a political game that I had never experienced before. In many clubs there is a political game with tokens that must be moved in the correct order. But nothing like this and I realize there was a little chip in the game. He could only hope that the negotiations between Leksand were resolved. Now I am very grateful that things went well and that the tone between Modo and me has always been professional and good.

TT: You did a day in Leksand. As was

– There is much to learn, like all those who change jobs. Now we have a lot of work ahead of us.

TT: Leksand is in the middle of teamwork. What type of player does the team need the most?

– We work with that, more I don’t want to say. It is a trade secret.

TT: Last year was a disappointment for Leksand. How should you lift the team?

– My job is not to look at history but to look to the future. We still have a core group and we have maintained continuity. It’s important. It’s seldom a new group that succeeds completely and goes all the way. You have to do it step by step.

TT: Former coach Roger Melin has criticized several of the players he will now have on the team. What is your comment

– It is strange that he criticizes the players in a team where he was the responsible coach himself.

TT: How will “you” Leksand play this winter?

– It will be a faster hockey, with clearer games from north to south without a puck. We are going to play hockey faster, more technically and in shape.

TT: Do you think there will be a SHL premiere this winter?

– It feels chaotic and a little ridiculous to talk about hockey that way when a whole world is affected by the crown. People cannot stay home due to the economy, people die in hospitals, and hospital staff kneels. If we complained about the fact that it is not possible to play hockey in September, it would be very strange.