Nybro Vikings goalie Tex Williamsson's long-awaited return after nearly a year sidelined lasted just 4:51 in the länsderby against Kalmar before an injury forced him off the ice. Nybro led 1-0 at the time, but Kalmar mounted a comeback to win 4-2. Hugo Hävelid stepped in as replacement goalie for the Vikings.
Tex Williamsson, Nybro Vikings' 34-year-old goaltender, made his first appearance in almost a year during the länsderby against rivals Kalmar. He had been out since undergoing hip surgery in the summer and had trained with the team for four weeks leading up to the match. In a preview, Williamsson expressed readiness to return, stating to Barometern, "Jag har tränat med laget i fyra veckor nu, men det har varit lite hattigt fram och tillbaka när de varit iväg på roadtrips. Men nu känner jag att det bara är att riva av plåstret, man behöver matcher för att komma in i det igen."
However, the comeback proved brief. Williamsson started in goal but left the ice after 4:51 with an unspecified injury while Nybro held a 1-0 lead. Hugo Hävelid, who had been the starter in Nybro's previous game against Södertälje, took over between the pipes. Alexander Hellnemo, another Vikings goalie, changed into his equipment to serve as backup.
Kalmar overturned the early deficit to secure a 4-2 victory, continuing their dominance in recent meetings. The rivals had previously beaten Nybro 7-0 and 6-0 this season. Williamsson had noted team frustrations prior to the game, commenting on Nybro's inconsistent form: "Vi hade en bra start på säsongen, nu känns det som att vi är mer upp och ner. Vi blandar bra matcher med riktiga bottennapp... Men känslan är att det har funnits mycket frustration, många vill väldigt mycket. Men kanske inte litar på laget... Det är det som har varit felet, att någon försöker för mycket och ställer till det för de andra."
Nybro now has three goalies available: Williamsson, Hävelid, and Hellnemo, with the club yet to clarify future rotations. Separately, after the Södertälje match, Vikings players Tim Lindfors and Elias Stenman extended their contracts through the 2027/28 season in a ceremony on the ice with sport chief Mikael Aaro.