HockeyAllsvenskan sport chief Erik Ryman visited newly promoted Visby Roma on Gotland for a welcome meeting, expressing optimism about opening a new market despite travel concerns raised by rivals. He also welcomed Leksand's arrival from SHL.
Erik Ryman traveled to Visby on Monday, May 5, 2026, for a standard information session with the Hockeyettan-promoted club, covering scheduling, contracts, agreements, and league requirements. "We always do such visits with all new teams, from Hockeyettan or SHL," Ryman told Hockeynews.se. He shared positive impressions of the club's vision and imminent new arena groundwork. "It can open up a completely new market for HockeyAllsvenskan," he said, citing untapped fan potential on the island. Addressing travel concerns—like Kalmar HC's 'nightmare' label cited earlier—Ryman downplayed issues, referencing prior ferry experience from Oskarshamn/Nynäshamn and confidence in schedules with possible extra hotel nights. He views the overall impact as positive. Separately, after visiting relegated SHL side Leksand, Ryman welcomed their strong brand: "It is positive for us; they will fill arenas."