Timrå, which plays in the Swedish men’s ice hockey league, has been in the headlines in recent days due to a special saga.
The ice hockey SHL club in Timrå is buzzing. The events started on Saturday, when Timrå defeated their local opponent Modo 5–1.
Timrå’s striker Erik Walli-Walterholm shouted the home crowd after the match with the supporters’ traditional “We hate Modoa” shout. In Swedish stands, especially in hot local fights, “Vi hatar” shouts are commonplace.
The club management didn’t like the shouting, but published a press release on Sunday eveningin which he thanked the fans for the wonderful atmosphere, but at the same time apologized if anyone was offended.
– We want to emphasize that Timrå IK always works for an inclusive and respectful environment where everyone feels welcome, the club communicated.
– We see this as an important opportunity to think together with all members of the club – both players, supporters and employees – how we can ensure that our celebrations always reflect Timrå’s positive spirit.
And the soup was ready.
The supporters’ association was upset and asked the club management for a crisis meeting. Another supporter group, Rätta Virket, called for supporters to boycott Timrå’s matches. Supporters demand better communication between the club and the fans.
Tuesday Timrå published a new announcementin which it acknowledged that the situation should have been handled internally.
The team faced Växjö in the evening, and some supporters decided to vote with their feet. The atmosphere in the hall was quite quiet. Timrå lost to Växjö after the shootout with a score of 2–3.
On Wednesday morning, Timrå’s Finnish sports director took a stand on the uproar Kimmo Kapanen.
– I think this crap has gotten too many headlines in the media, Kapanen growled According to Expressen.
– Everyone needs to calm down now. What has happened has happened and we should learn from it. For the past few days, it has annoyed me that energy has to be put into such an unnecessary matter.
Someone in a rage
Timrå’s performance on Tuesday did not please the head coach From Olli Joki. The Finnish pilot already put his protégés in harsh words during the break interview.
– This is pathetic. Our performance was miserable. We had no energy at all. We just play the match because it’s on our schedule. No struggle, no fighting attitude.
– Everyone here is paid well, so you can’t just show up and play when you feel like it.
Timrå continues in fifth place in the SHL, with 18 wins out of 31 matches.