JÖNKÖPING, Sweden — Anton Blomqvist, the former head coach of HV71, has spoken publicly for the first time since his abrupt departure from the Swedish Hockey League club, acknowledging that “many special things have happened” during his time with the organization while refraining from elaborating on the circumstances surrounding his exit.
Blomqvist’s comments, shared with Swedish tabloid Expressen, reach amid ongoing scrutiny following reports of player dissatisfaction within the HV71 locker room. The 45-year-old coach was relieved of his duties in early April, just weeks after guiding the team to a playoff berth in the SHL, a decision that surprised many given the club’s improved performance under his leadership.
“I’ve had the privilege to perform with many talented individuals in Jönköping,” Blomqvist said. “Har hänt många speciella saker,” he added in Swedish, translating to “Many special things have happened.” He declined to provide further detail when pressed about the nature of those events or the reasons behind his dismissal.
The coach’s departure followed a season in which HV71 finished sixth in the regular season standings with 94 points, securing home-ice advantage in the opening playoff round against Malmö Redhawks. Despite pushing the series to a decisive Game 7, HV71 ultimately fell 4-3 in the quarterfinals, ending their postseason run.
Blomqvist, who took over as head coach in 2021 after serving as an assistant under Stephan Lundh, had overseen a gradual improvement in the team’s fortunes. In his first full season (2021-22), HV71 missed the playoffs. The following year, they qualified as the eighth seed before advancing to the semifinals in 2022-23 — their deepest playoff run since 2017.
His final season behind the bench saw HV71 post a 40-22-10 record, their best points total since the 2015-16 campaign. The team ranked third in the league in goals per game (3.12) and fifth in save percentage (.912), reflecting a balanced approach that emphasized both offensive production and defensive structure.
Nevertheless, reports emerged in late March suggesting growing friction between Blomqvist and segments of the player group. Aftonbladet cited anonymous sources claiming some players felt the coach’s tactical approach had become predictable and that communication had deteriorated over the course of the season. Those claims were not publicly denied by HV71 management at the time.
When asked directly about the Aftonbladet report during his Expressen interview, Blomqvist did not confirm or deny the allegations. “I respect the players immensely,” he said. “What happens inside the locker room stays there. My focus has always been on preparing the team to compete, and I believe we gave everything we had.”
HV71 officials have remained largely silent on the specifics of the decision. Club chairman Gustaf Gustafsson issued a brief statement following the announcement, saying only that the move was made “in the best long-term interests of the organization” and thanking Blomqvist for his “dedication and hard work.”
The Swedish Hockey League, one of Europe’s top-tier professional leagues, operates on a promotion and relegation system with HockeyAllsvenskan. HV71, based in Jönköping in southern Sweden, is one of the league’s most storied franchises, having won five SHL titles since the league’s inception in 1975, most recently in 2017.
Blomqvist, a former defenseman who played seven seasons in the SHL with Mora IK and Björklöven, transitioned to coaching after retiring as a player in 2014. He spent three years as an assistant with BIK Karlskoga before joining HV71’s staff in 2020. His coaching philosophy emphasizes structured defensive zone coverage and quick transition play, influenced by his time working under Lundh, a two-time Swedish champion as a player.
Since his departure, Blomqvist has not been linked to any other coaching openings in Sweden or abroad. Hockeynews.se reported in mid-April that he had declined several lower-tier offers to take time with his family, though the outlet noted he remains open to returning to a head coaching role in the future.
The vacancy at HV71 was filled quickly, with the club announcing the return of former head coach Johan Lindbom just days after Blomqvist’s exit. Lindbom, who previously led HV71 from 2016 to 2019, signed a two-year deal and immediately began reshaping the roster ahead of the 2024-25 season.
As of early May, HV71 has added several new forwards and defensemen while parting ways with veterans including longtime captain Martin Thörnberg. The team opened its training camp in mid-August and is scheduled to begin its preseason schedule in early September, with the regular season opener set for September 21 against defending champions Växjö Lakers.
Blomqvist, meanwhile, has kept a low profile. His social media accounts remain inactive, and he has declined multiple interview requests from regional outlets. When approached by Archysport for comment, a representative said the former coach “is focusing on personal matters at this time and is not available for media engagement.”
The situation underscores the volatile nature of coaching positions in elite European hockey, where results often fail to advise the full story behind organizational decisions. While HV71 improved incrementally under Blomqvist, internal dynamics — including player buy-in, communication styles, and long-term vision — ultimately played a role in the club’s choice to move in a different direction.
For now, Blomqvist’s brief reflection offers the only window into his mindset following a chapter that ended not with celebration, but with quiet departure. “Many special things have happened,” he reiterated. Whether those memories will one day be shared in full remains uncertain.
HV71’s next official update is expected in late August when the club releases its final preseason roster and announces its opening night lineup. Fans seeking updates can follow the team’s official website and social media channels for verified news.
What are your thoughts on Blomqvist’s tenure and departure from HV71? Share your perspective in the comments below or join the conversation on social media using #HV71.
