"The rivalry between the universities is serious"
KTH Hockey is part of the Swedish University Hockey League (SUHL), which in 2023 became part of the Swedish Ice Hockey Federation. The classic sports question "How does it feel?" goes to Isabella Viksten, media manager for KTH Hockey's team The Royal Blue.
"This feels really great, especially since it can help more young people continue with the sport while studying at Sweden's leading university. That our business is now seen as serious enough to get this approval from the Swedish Ice Hockey Federation is new for us, and something we appreciate very much. It has led to increased interest from spectators and players in both the league and our association, both among the audience and players," says Viksten.
Growing interest in hockey
Viksten is a final year student in the Master of Science in Media Technology programme. Being elected to the finals of hockey generates increased attention and interest in university hockey.
"This means that more players will combine studies with hockey according to their schedule. The more players who invest in university hockey instead of playing in the lower leagues, the smoother, more fun and faster games we will experience. The hope is also that this opens up for a broader collaboration with KTH," says Viksten.
Things are heating up
Viksten is proud to represent her own university, but admits that things get heated on the ice sometimes.
"The rivalry between the universities is very serious, which shows during the games as all teams want to win. However, as soon as the final whistle blows, the rivalry subsides. The tradition is for the home and away teams to have dinner together after the games and an evening of activities.
"We put a lot of emphasis on having fun. Then, of course, there are some matches that bring a little more emotion than others. Like when we play the Upplands derby against Uppsala University, but especially when we meet our little brother Chalmers".
Genuine love and passion
Chalmers Blue McRangers was founded in 1943 while KTH Hockey became a reality in 2011. Why so late? Viksten dodges the question explaining that KTH Hockey is a non-profit organization. For such a venture to work, it requires people with a genuine love and passion, as well as a willingness to put time and energy into it. For KTH, it was a group of KTH alumni led Joachim Ronneback Thomson who started the association in 2011. At the same time, UHL - the University Hockey League - was formed, which is the predecessor of today's SUHL.
"In 2011, KTH Hockey's founders felt it was time to join the Gothenburgers, and at the same time show who is Sweden's best university (both on and off the ice). We are incredibly proud of the work that previous members have done for the association, and we do our best to manage the legacy we have been given. The trophy is coming home to Stockholm," says Viksten.
Will bring the trophy home to Stockholm
Finally, how has it gone since KTH Hockey was established? How is it going now?
"KTH Hockey has a strong winning culture and with seven championship titles we can call ourselves the most successful university hockey team in Sweden. Right now we are in second place in the SUHL, where HKL Make Believes, Linköping University, is two points ahead of us. The goal is of course to finish in first place in the league, and to bring the trophy home to Stockholm," says Viksten.
Text: Peter Ardell ( p3t3r@kth.se )