Matilda Nilsson, 26, considered ending her career, but returned enthusiastically to the Swedish Hockey League: “I don’t want to do anything half-heartedly.” Nilsson’s new club is Frölunda HC playing in the SDHL.
Finnish ice hockey player Matilda Nilsson26, wondered in the summer whether it’s time to turn a new page in life or whether he still has the passion for pucks.
The season at Brynäs IF, which ended with the Swedish league finals and silver medals, had been successful. Even though Nilsson had enjoyed himself in Gävle, he was not ready to put his name on Brynäs’ contract papers at the beginning of the summer.
– During the summer, I noticed that I still have so much fire and something to give that I want to give it to a team that needs it. I’m thinking about it because I don’t want to do anything half-heartedly, says Nilsson, who has played 37 international matches for Naisleijon.
Last week, Nilsson signed a contract with Frölunda, who play in the Swedish league. The car is starting to be packed and the forward from Espoo is ready to go to Gothenburg. Nilsson will play his first match already on Sunday.
Although Nilsson’s motivation to develop as a hockey player is good, he has already been preparing for the fact that his sports career will end at some point. While in Finland, Nilsson worked at a school as a resource teacher until last week.
– When I make the decision to quit, I want to have plans for the future. It’s good that I’ve done a lot more than playing hockey, because a career can end suddenly with an injury. But of course you should know how to live in the moment and enjoy it, says Nilsson.
North American plans will have to wait
Nilsson excitedly returns to the Swedish premier league SDHL, even though his hopes had been for a place in the new North American PWHL league. Now the contract binds Nilsson to Frölunda for the whole season, and he is not going to participate in the PWHL training camp in November, even if the invitation comes across the Atlantic.
Last season in the Swedish league, Nilsson scored 16+12=28 in 27 matches, so the Finn is expected to be a scoring cannon in Frölunda as well. Finns also play forwards in Frölunda Emilia Vesa and Michelle Karvinen.
– I have heard that the series in Sweden is even, like last season. The league has become a step better and more physical, says Nilsson.
Episode number welcomed
Frölunda told. that Nilsson plays with number 20, which Swedish newspaper According to Aftonbladet angered the supporters of the Gothenburg club.
The number 20 was worn throughout his 20-year career by representing Frölunda Joel Lundqvist, who ended his great career last spring. The center from Gothenburg, who played more than a thousand SHL matches, is a true club legend who served as captain of his team for 14 seasons. Lundqvist’s number is considered sacred in the club.
Nilsson started receiving messages from fans about it soon after the news of the contract was announced. He was asked if it would be possible for him to choose another game number.
– Of course I respect such a club legend who has had a wonderful career and I was immediately ready to change my number. The messages were all quite friendly and no one said anything bad. They welcomed me to the club, says Nilsson.
On Monday, the club announced that Nilsson will play with the number 19. According to Aftonbladet, that also caused a stir among some fans, because the club has raised the roof of its home arena by Jörgen Pettersson jersey. Pettersson played in the team with number 19 in the 1970s, 80s and 90s.
However, Frölunda did not agree to another number change. It hadn’t reached Nilsson’s ears that the number 19 wouldn’t suit the fans.
– I haven’t received any messages from number 19. Let’s see if we will take 18. Our equipment managers must be excited when they have to print the name and number on the shirt many times, Nilsson laughs.