Leif Strömberg was fired – but returned the same season.
Then he offered the nicest comment to his players.
Leif Strömberg began his coaching career in 1992 and immediately became a major profile in hockey Sweden. He has been to more than a handful of clubs in Swedish hockey, including Södertälje, Färjestad and Malmö.
Correct profile
The “sock”, as he is called, became not only so popular for his tactical directives or his various successes, but for how he was on the ice. The sock is a real profile and really of the old school coach. And there are lots of anecdotes about stuff he’s done in, and around, the locker rooms.
And Linus Klasen knows a lot about it. The former SHL star, who now plays in Switzerland, had Strömberg in Södertälje in the late 00s, and during a tough season, Strömberg was fired. But just in time for SSK to try to qualify for the then Elite Series, Strömberg was appointed again.
Got fired – and hired again
And when Strömberg met his players for the first time after the new appointment, he immediately made everyone burst out laughing.
– I have a fucking funny story about Strumpan, so…, says Klasen in the podcast Släpp Sargen.
– He was fired at the end of the season, and then Jim Brithén came in. Then before the qualifying series, they took back Strumpan. In Södertälje you enter the locker room and take off your shoes, and then the coach room is straight ahead. When I get inside the door, then only a small leather armchair with wheels on it rolls out, and then he sticks his head out, and says: “You will not get rid of me, and roar with laughter”.
Robin Figren, former SHL player, is one of the presenters, and knows exactly what Klasen means when he imitates Strumpan’s laughter.
– The little disgusting tanner too! You can really see it in front of you, says Figren.
– He’s funny, Leffe, ass. He was overjoyed, Klasen answers.
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