Växjö Lakers part ways with coach Björn Hellkvist
Växjö Lakers have announced that head coach Björn Hellkvist is leaving the club following a difficult start to the SHL season.
Quick facts
- Björn Hellkvist leaves his position after 14 matches.
- Växjö Lakers currently sit in 12th place with 15 points.
- Sport manager Henrik Evertsson is joining the coaching staff as an assistant.
Why it matters
The exit of Björn Hellkvist marks a rare moment of instability for Växjö Lakers, a club that has historically maintained long-term continuity in its coaching staff. The move signals the pressure on management to arrest the team's slide toward the bottom of the table early in the season. Whether this shift will yield immediate improvements remains to be seen as the interim coaching staff takes over.
Växjö Lakers have officially parted ways with head coach Björn Hellkvist, the club announced following a recent string of poor results in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL). As of November 1, 2026, the decision follows a challenging start to the season that leaves the team in 12th place in the league standings.
Why it is trending now
The decision to terminate the contract with Björn Hellkvist comes immediately after a significant loss to Färjestad on Saturday. According to Expressen, the club management concluded that the team required a change in leadership to progress, as they currently sit just three points above the threshold for negative qualification.
Key facts
- Björn Hellkvist joined the club ahead of the previous season, during which the team reached the semifinals, according to Aftonbladet.
- The team has secured only 15 points across 14 matches this season, as reported by Aftonbladet.
- Sport manager Henrik Evertsson described the decision as difficult and noted that he takes responsibility for the current situation, per Aftonbladet and Expressen.
- Assistant coaches Joakim Fagervall and Fredrik Hellgren will take temporary charge of the team, with Henrik Evertsson joining them on the bench, according to Expressen.
Why this is trending in Sweden
The departure of a high-profile coach from a major SHL club like Växjö Lakers generates significant interest among Swedish hockey fans. The sudden change in the coaching staff is a major topic of discussion across national sports media and fan communities.
Background and context
Henrik Evertsson, the sport manager for Växjö Lakers, has been in his role for 21 seasons and is historically known for being restrictive regarding coaching changes. The last time the club dismissed a head coach was 14 years ago, when Janne Karlsson departed and was succeeded by Sam Hallam, according to Aftonbladet.
What happens next
Joakim Fagervall and Fredrik Hellgren will hold the primary responsibility for the team in the immediate future. Henrik Evertsson will assist from the bench as the club looks to improve its current 12th-place standing in the SHL table.
Frequently asked questions
Why did Björn Hellkvist leave Växjö Lakers?
Björn Hellkvist left after the club's management decided a change was necessary to improve the team's performance. The team has struggled significantly this season, earning only 15 points in 14 matches and dropping to 12th place in the SHL.
Who is replacing Björn Hellkvist?
Assistant coaches Joakim Fagervall and Fredrik Hellgren have been given temporary charge of the team. Additionally, sport manager Henrik Evertsson will join the coaching staff on the bench to assist during this transition period.
How long was Björn Hellkvist at Växjö Lakers?
Björn Hellkvist joined the Växjö Lakers as head coach ahead of the previous season. During his tenure, he led the team to a third-place finish and a semifinal appearance.
Is this a common occurrence for Växjö Lakers?
No, it is highly uncommon. Sport manager Henrik Evertsson has been with the club for 21 seasons and has only dismissed a head coach once before, 14 years ago, when Janne Karlsson was replaced by Sam Hallam.
What is the team's current position in the SHL?
As of the latest reports, Växjö Lakers are in 12th place in the league. They are currently only three points away from the positions that would lead to negative qualification.
In this story
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- Nov 2, 2026 at 1:15 AM
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