Kalmar HC secured a 5-2 victory over Södertälje SK in game two of their HockeyAllsvenskan quarterfinal series, leveling it at 1-1. Coach Viktor Tuurala criticized Södertälje sports chief Emil Georgsson for complaining about referees after an incident in game one. Tuurala expressed upset over such leadership in an interview with TV4.
Kalmar HC won game two against Södertälje SK by 5-2, evening the quarterfinal series at 1-1. The match saw Kalmar dominate the first period with a 4-1 lead, prompting Södertälje to pull goaltender Love Härenstam at the intermission. Tuurala described his team's performance as 'a brave but smart hockey team.' The game grew heated with several fights in the second and third periods, which Tuurala linked to prior events without elaborating further. He urged that the series be decided 'on the ice fair and square.' Tuurala's comments targeted an incident from game one, where Södertälje's Carl-Johan Lerby received a match penalty. Södertälje sought a disciplinary committee review but was denied, prompting public criticism from sports chief Emil Georgsson. Tuurala suggested this influenced officiating in game two. 'I become upset about such leadership,' Tuurala said in TV4. He elaborated: 'I have decided to be a good role model for other leaders in Swedish hockey. Especially young leaders, who work with youth or children. Therefore I become upset about such leadership as Emil Georgsson engages in, who goes out and whines on the referees. It has effect today, we see it when it heats up today, then it is free bang on our guys. It hurts in the soul that it works like that in Swedish hockey. That is not the leader I want to be.' When pressed on the Lerby connection, Tuurala confirmed but added: 'Yes, but I think we leave it there. I do not want to go into it further, the discussion is not about that.'
