Modo Hockey has dismissed head coach Mattias Karlin and assistant Mikael Sundell, effective immediately after a 2-0 victory over BIK Karlskoga. Fredrik Andersson takes over as head coach, joined by new assistant Thomas Rhodin. The decision comes amid underperformance concerns despite the team's fourth-place standing in HockeyAllsvenskan.
Modo Makes Coaching Change
Modo Hockey announced on Sunday that it has parted ways with head coach Mattias Karlin and assistant coach Mikael Sundell, a move sport chief Henrik Gradin described as the toughest of his career. The decision was made on Saturday morning, before the team's 2-0 win against BIK Karlskoga, following recent losses to Troja/Ljungby (4-3 in shootout) and Vimmerby. Gradin emphasized the need for a reset due to inconsistent performances, with the team's lowest level being too low despite building a squad aimed at promotion to SHL.
"It is completely the worst decision I have been involved in during my hockey career," Gradin told Hockeynews, noting his close four-and-a-half-year friendship with Karlin. The board issued an ultimatum after fan criticism, including a banner at Hägglunds Arena, and player frustrations. Key forward Sebastian Ohlsson publicly questioned the team's base game, adding to internal tensions over tactical clarity, especially for imports, and special teams failures.
Fredrik Andersson, previously an assistant, steps up reluctantly. "It is shit sad when it has to go this way," he said, expressing loyalty to his fired colleagues while committing to higher energy and minor adjustments. Thomas Rhodin, formerly with Färjestad, joins to bolster leadership with a more active style. Modo sits fourth in the table, four points from second and 18 behind leaders Björklöven, with promotion goals unchanged. A new defenseman is expected around Christmas.
Panelists expressed shock, questioning the timing post-victory and necessity given the position, but hope the change brings fresh energy to unlock the roster's potential.
