Stefan Klockare has left his role as assistant coach with Tre Kronor after four years. He described parts of the media criticism aimed at head coach Sam Hallam as personal attacks rather than fair analysis.
Klockare served under Hallam during six major tournaments, including four World Championships. The team earned two bronze medals at the World Championships, finished third in the 4 Nations Tournament and exited in the quarterfinals three times.
He highlighted strong results in the Euro Hockey Tour, where Sweden won three of four years. Klockare singled out the 2023 quarterfinal loss to Latvia in Riga as the most painful defeat, citing the intense home crowd atmosphere that he said gave the hosts an extra player on the ice.
Klockare told Hockeysverige that while criticism is expected, some coverage crossed a line. He added that the coaching staff supported one another through the period and held no ill will toward Swedish fans.
