Ante Karlsson has started his role as head coach of Linköping HC in the SHL after leading Tappara to a championship in Tampere. He aims to shift the team from recent struggles toward a harder-working style.
Karlsson arrived in Linköping shortly after Tappara's title win in Nokia Arena. He described the championship experience as unforgettable amid a crowd of 300,000 in Tampere.
The new coach works with assistants Martin Gudmundsson and Mattias Zackrisson plus goalie coach Kalle. He has spent his first three weeks planning systems and defining roles for the staff.
Karlsson praised incoming players including Hultström, Shinnimin and Fantenberg. He stressed the need for passionate, hardworking imports who can sustain effort across the 52-game season.
Linköping has finished near the bottom of the SHL standings in five of the past six years. Karlsson said he sees strong local support and facilities as advantages for the rebuild.