Timrå IK has hired Mikael Gath as its new head coach for the upcoming SHL season. Hockeynews analyst Andreas Hanson discusses Gath's fit, challenges ahead, and a pessimistic outlook for the team's standings. The move comes after Tommy Samuelsson's tenure.
Timrå IK announced Mikael Gath as its new head coach, a decision analyzed by Hockeynews' Andreas Hanson. Published yesterday, Hanson's insights address three key questions about the hire and Timrå's prospects in the SHL. Hanson's first point praises Gath's potential suitability. He notes surprise at not considering Gath earlier, saying, 'Ju mer jag tänker på det desto mer förvånad är jag över att jag inte själv tänkt tanken på Gath som SHL-tränare.' Gath, somewhat overlooked in Denmark despite solid results there, brings a mix of soft and hard qualities: communicative, humorous, yet capable of rallying the team intensely. Hanson compares this to the intriguing style under previous coach Olli Jokinen. The biggest challenge, per Hanson, lies in maximizing the roster beyond what Tommy Samuelsson achieved. Timrå heavily depended on Jonathan Dahlén and Emil Pettersson, both departing, alongside possible North American move for surprise performer Eddie Genborg. Underperformance came from expected contributors like Sebastian Hartmann, Anton Heikkinen, Anton Wedin, and David Lilja, plus stalled progress from Ludvig Levinsson, Linus Eriksson, and Erik Walli-Walterholm. Gath must unlock more potential across the squad. On standings, Hanson sees a downward trend: Timrå finished just four points from relegation playoffs amid heavy losses. A bold prediction places them in the bottom two spots, though he hopes Timrå's management, including 'Nubben' and the sports group, can rebuild effectively. The swift hire provides a foundation and leverage in player negotiations.
