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Lakers coach Stefan Hedlund goes his way with and in Rapperswil-Jona.
Nicole VandenbrouckIce hockey reporter
The Lakers have established themselves in the top flight of the league. What was initially noted with astonishment by the competition is now appreciated with admiration. Because the question arises: How does coach Stefan Hedlund make this possible with this team? The Swede sums up the most important factor in one sentence: “We are performing with the power of 25 players, not just with a handful of superstars.”
Actually, Hedlund agrees with a smile, he’s still a rookie coach. The current season is only his third year (!) as head coach of a professional team in a top league. Before he came to Rapperswil-Jona SG in 2021, he was an assistant coach in his home country at Skelleftea in the SHL in a three-man combo. “It was a phenomenal experience. But I got the feeling that I often have to make compromises and felt that I would rather have the entire responsibility.”
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In 2007, when Hedlund started his coaching career at Pitea HC in the junior division as a still active 1st league player, Hedlund never dreamed of becoming a professional coach one day. “I was super happy with my situation.” He worked 50 percent as a junior coach and 50 percent as a physical education teacher. He also began this study as well as the coaching courses when he was still an active striker. As the father of four children knows today, the four-year training course to become a gymnastics teacher has given him more for his work as a hockey coach than any coaching course.
Questions about life, about people, about character
Because Hedlund not only wants to deal with the player, but also with the people. When he accepted the challenge and opportunity at SCRJ two years ago, one of his first official acts was a survey among the players. On paper to fill in. With questions about sports, life, people, family, interests, character, goals. “That should be a sign that it is important to us to get to know each individual better.” The 47-year-old has created a dossier for every player with all the information. “It has become an important tool. This is the only way I can support everyone individually.»
SCRJ sports director Janick Steinmann (35) knew how Hedlund worked from his own experience. In 2017/18 he worked at EVZ as his assistant in the Swiss League team. “As a club, we have further developed our Lakers philosophy and, based on this, we have been looking for a coach who will implement this in our daily work,” says Steinmann. He knew from Hedlund that he could convey the desired performance culture and convince the players of it.
After home games in the weight room
Yannick-Lennart Albrecht (28) played under Hedlund at EVZ when he was Dan Tangnes’ (43, No) assistant in 2018/19. The striker knew exactly what to expect and it must have been a big change for the rest of the team. ‘Maybe even a shock. It was exciting to see how the players reacted to it and one day realized that it could really work that way.” Albrecht describes the trainer as extremely demanding, even during training. “He doesn’t tolerate larifari operations.”
An example: Under Hedlund, the players still have to start a session in the weight room after a home match if there is no game the next day. “In the beginning they were reluctant to do so,” says the coach. “At the same time, the opponents we just defeated sometimes ran past the window. That was a strong signal from us.” Because the players realized that they could be successful with this and other extra efforts.
Defender David Aebischer, who came to Rappi from a frustrating situation at Gottéron, says: “Stefan is an important person for me and my career.” The 22-year-old was trusted from the start. As a young defender, for whom it has become difficult to gain a foothold in this league, he can also be creative and make mistakes.
In addition to the increased performance culture, the Lakers coach has persistently implemented a structured yet attractive style of play, with the right role for everyone. Stakeholders are always included in discussions about the system. Thanks to the consistent implementation, the SCRJ is a top team. “It would have been easy for the players to say they didn’t want to work under this crazy Swede. If they had, my career in Switzerland would have been short,” said Hedlund. And sports director Steinmann emphasizes: “The praise also goes to the team.”
National League 22/23
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