The Frölunda profile got playing time in Tre Kronor’s all three games in four days in the Karjala tournament.
In between, the national team also had two travel days.
However, it will be a short rest for Friberg, whose Frölunda already plays on Tuesday in the Champions Hockey League, as Germany’s Straubing awaits in Frölundaborg in the first round of 16.
“I’ve been training all summer to be able to play matches, so you can’t complain about that,” says the forward.
He leaves Tre Kronor with a positive feeling despite the loss in the final match against Finland with 1–4.
“Positive experience”
“New” Tre Kronor got it together quickly and won the whole tournament after the opening victories over the Czech Republic and Switzerland.
— It has been a positive experience. We had a couple of training days in Stockholm before it was time for the match down in the Czech Republic. In such a short time, it is still impressive that we have put the game together so well, says Friberg.
He neatly scored the equalizer in Sunday’s match in Åbohallen – but regretted that he did not go for a shot but looked for a pass in a numerical disadvantage at the beginning of the third period in a Swedish two-on-one situation.
— The back is standing, I thought he would go at me a little more, but he stops and keeps an eye on (Oskar) Lang. I should have been more distinct in that situation, then maybe the match would have ended differently, he says.
— It is sour to cod against the Finns. I think we play well enough to win, he adds.
“Adds lots”
When he comes home to Frölunda, it is with former NHL star Loui Eriksson back in the team. According to sports director Fredrik Sjöström, on site in Turku, it is doubtful whether Eriksson will play already on Tuesday, but perhaps when the SHL restarts on Saturday.
— I’ve met him a couple of times and he’s really a great guy, but also a very good hockey player. He will add a lot both to the dressing room and on the ice, says Friberg, whose Frölunda mixed and given in the beginning of the season and is only eighth.