Malmö Redhawks have qualified for the SHL SM quarterfinals for the second year in a row after defeating Djurgården in the decisive third eighth-final match. The club saw over 11,000 spectators for that game and reports nearly 10 million kronor more in partner and ticket revenues than last season. They now face series winners Skellefteå.
Malmö Redhawks secured their spot in the SM quarterfinals by eliminating Djurgården in the third and deciding eighth-final match, drawing over 11,000 fans to Malmö Arena. Across both home games in the series, total attendance reached 20,262 spectators, reflecting strong local support evident in fans wearing club jerseys, scarves, and hats around the city and arena. The team's regular-season average attendance hit a historic high of 8,289 per game, signaling growing popularity as Malmö climbs the standings sportingly and financially. CEO Patrik Sylvegård told Sydsvenskan that partner and ticket revenues have increased by almost 10 million kronor this season compared to last year. He attributed this to rising credibility: “Somewhere we show that it becomes a bit easier to get people here. People are starting to believe in us, and credibility is increasing, both with the audience and in Hockeysverige. People are starting to talk about Malmö in a positive way. I think that's great.” Facing Skellefteå, Sylvegård estimated the odds at 70-30 in their favor but added, “But if we can snag a win up there, anything can happen.” Head coach Tomas Kollar, who extended his contract, called the matchup a good challenge. “I think we have the momentum in the team and that we can get a pretty good start already on Monday,” he said, per Skånesport. Kollar, with a past in Djurgården, noted satisfaction in the win: “Of course it's nice. Maybe a little extra when you're from there. I haven't thought about it much during the matches, but of course it's fun to beat them.”
