Gustav Rydahl is back in the SHL – but knocked out Färjestad.
Now he opens up about the hate.
– It’s a hell of a lot of shit, he says.
Gustav Rydahl was one of the SHL’s best players two years ago. He won SM gold with Färjestad, and great performances led to great interest from abroad, and the choice finally fell on trying his luck in North America.
Honest words about the hate
But there were only 52 games in the AHL for Rydahl, who after one season in North America chose to move home to Sweden. Many had expected that there would be a move back to Färjestad, but that was not the case. Instead, the choice fell on rivals Frölunda, in one of the most high-profile signings this summer.
But in Färjestad, people have not immediately taken the move in stride. Now, for the first time, Rydahl opens up about what he and his family have received from supporters of the Karlstads team.
– I think it’s a bit crazy, I shouldn’t have that shit. People have made transitions before, right? Are there players in Färjestad who also played in other teams?, he says to Värmland’s Folkblad.
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“I feel safe”
Rydahl has changed Färjestad for Frölunda before. He also did it as a J18 player, and he is clear that he does not regret his decision.
– I feel very confident in my decision. It will be a lot of fun to get there because I feel like I have a few percent to develop into a better hockey player. I hope I can be that. Help the team win, he says.
Gustav Rydahl actually happens to meet his former team Färjestad already during the pre-season, during the Strömstad Hockey Classic.
– Just as well to take it straight away. It is clear that it will be special. I still have friends in the team, they have changed quite a lot now, but I have played with most of them. After a few minutes you probably won’t think about it, but in the beginning it will probably be special. I expect to be booed, he says.
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