Örebro, Sweden – Örebro Hockey has announced a change behind the bench, bringing in Martin Filander as its new head coach for the 2026-2027 season. The move comes as the club looks to build on a playoff appearance and adjust its sporting direction, following a season where they were eliminated by Luleå in the round of 16.
Filander, 44, returns to Örebro after previously holding roles within the organization as both an assistant coach and head coach of the J20 team, as well as assisting with general manager duties. His appointment marks a homecoming for the Swedish coach, who most recently served as head coach of EHC Biel-Bienne in Switzerland’s National League.
The Swiss club confirmed the end of Filander’s contract at the end of March, stating, “The contract with the former head coach Martin Filander was terminated at the end of March,” according to a statement on their website. https://www.ehcb.ch/de/aktuell/news/vertragsaufloesung-mit-dem-ehemaligen-headcoach-martin-filander. Filander joined Biel-Bienne in May 2024 after a stint with Oskarshamn, initially signing a one-year deal that was later extended to include the 2025-2026 season.
The decision to bring in Filander similarly signals a departure for current Örebro head coach Niklas Eriksson. Despite having a contract that extended through the next season, Eriksson and the club have mutually agreed to part ways. The timing of the change allows Filander to take the reins and implement his vision before the start of the next SHL season.
Örebro’s recent moves suggest a broader effort to reshape the team’s approach. The club recently added Tony Mårtensson as an assistant sport chef, signaling a commitment to refining both player recruitment and on-ice strategy. The addition of Filander is seen as a key component of this overall plan.
Filander’s experience in both Swedish and Swiss hockey provides a diverse background as he steps into the head coaching role. He’ll be tasked with building upon Örebro’s recent playoff appearance and establishing a consistent contender in the Swedish Hockey League. The SHL is a highly competitive league and Filander will face the challenge of navigating a demanding schedule and a talented pool of opponents.
The move to replace Eriksson, while perhaps unexpected given his existing contract, underscores the club’s ambition to elevate its performance. Eriksson guided Örebro to the playoffs, but the organization clearly believes a change in leadership is necessary to reach the next level. The club has not yet commented on Eriksson’s future plans.
For Filander, this represents a significant opportunity to lead a team in his home country. Having cut his teeth in the Örebro system earlier in his career, he’s returning to a familiar environment with a clear mandate to succeed. The club and its fans will be looking for a swift and positive impact as they prepare for the 2026-2027 SHL season.
Örebro finished the 2024-2025 SHL season with a playoff berth, ultimately falling to Luleå in the first round. The team’s performance throughout the year was marked by periods of strong play interspersed with challenges, leading to the decision to seek a new direction. The hope is that Filander’s leadership and tactical expertise will bring greater consistency and success to the club.
The Swedish Hockey League (SHL) is the top tier of professional ice hockey in Sweden, featuring 14 teams competing for the LeMat Trophy. The league is known for its high skill level and passionate fan base, and it serves as a major development ground for players aspiring to play in the NHL and other top leagues around the world. Örebro Hockey, based in Örebro, is a well-established member of the SHL, with a dedicated following in the region.
As Filander prepares to take the helm, the focus will be on building a cohesive team and implementing a system that maximizes the potential of the roster. The coming months will be crucial as he assesses the team’s strengths and weaknesses and lays the groundwork for a successful season. The club has yet to announce any specific plans for training camp or pre-season games, but details are expected to be released in the near future.
The appointment of Martin Filander marks a new chapter for Örebro Hockey. With a proven track record and a strong connection to the club, he’s poised to lead the team forward and compete for championship contention in the SHL. Fans will be eager to see how his vision unfolds and what impact he can have on the team’s performance.
Örebro’s next official update is expected to be regarding pre-season scheduling, which will likely be released in late April. Stay tuned to Archysport for further developments as the team prepares for the 2026-2027 season.
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