Sverre Rönningen, the Norwegian defenseman signed by Modo Hockey as a prestigious acquisition, has left the team to undergo medical tests in Norway due to ongoing fatigue and body pain. Sportchef Henrik Gradin has dismissed speculation about Rönningen's future with the club, stating they hope to have answers within days.
Sverre Rönningen, who was named MVP of the entire Norwegian playoffs last spring, joined Modo on a two-year contract ahead of the season. However, his start has been challenging, with the towering defenseman struggling to reach full speed, failing to influence games, and recording no points so far.
Rönningen missed three recent matches due to illness before departing for Norway, where he was scheduled for a national team camp. Instead of participating, he is now at the Norwegian Olympic Sports Centre, a facility akin to Sweden's Bosön, undergoing tests for his condition.
"He is worn out overall. He has pain in his body and is now at the Norwegian Olympic Sports Centre doing tests in the coming days," Gradin told Hockeynews. The issue surfaced recently; Rönningen felt well during a team stop in Ljungby but was sent home ahead of bus trips to Vimmerby and Karlskoga to prevent any potential spread of illness.
Gradin emphasized the sudden nature of the problem: "No, it is something that has come up. When we came down to Ljungby he was in good spirits, except that he felt a bit under the weather."
Addressing rumors of a departure, Gradin was firm: "Yes, I can definitely do that [dement]. Right now, there is absolutely nothing in the works regarding that."
Meanwhile, Modo continues to bolster its defense, nearing a deal for a new defenseman from North America. "We have agreed on the financials, and I hope to get everything cleared soon. His club just needs to release him first," Gradin added.