Dalarna's sports gala took place for the second year on Wednesday evening at Magasinet in Falun, awarding prizes in eleven categories for 2025 achievements. Performances by Jesper Lindell and Linda Bengtzing lifted spirits, despite the shadow of Leksands IF's relegation from SHL.
Dalarna's sports gala 2026 was held at Magasinet in Falun on March 25, organized by newspapers including Mora Tidning, Falu-Kuriren, Borlänge Tidning, Södra Dalarnes Tidning, Avesta Tidning, Nya Ludvika Tidning, and Dala-Demokraten. Jessica Almenäs hosted with Jonas 'Heavy' Stentäpp as sidekick, interviewing nominees and guests. Eleven prizes were awarded in categories such as Athlete of the Year, Achievement of the Year, and Supporter of the Year, with 33 nominees selected by a jury or readers. Winners were announced during the event, broadcast live from 19:30 to 21:30. Jesper Lindell performed at 20:13, Linda Bengtzing at 20:48 and 21:26, and Stiko-Per Larsson opened with Leksands IF's anthem 'Bröder'. The evening mixed joy with sorrow following Leksands IF's loss to HV71 the previous day, resulting in relegation from SHL. Dalarna's governor Helena Höij said: 'It's sad. It would have been fun to keep Leksand in SHL, but they'll invest again.' Former Leksand player Tomas Jonsson called it 'bitter, very bitter' and said recovery economically and sportingly would take time. Anders Kallur and Anders Roddar stressed the club's importance: 'Leksands IF is so damn important for Dalarna. On workplaces and everything.'
