Skellefteå AIK took the step up in the SDHL this spring after being beaten in the final stage of the qualification for six consecutive seasons, apart from the pandemic season which was cancelled. Now the series is played on ten teams, of which the two who place lowest play a negative qualification and the other eight play playoffs.

It may change. At least about the proposal that was presented this weekend at this weekend’s chairman’s conference.

The basis for the proposal is an investigation which, on behalf of the Swedish Ice Hockey Association, investigated the series system for, among other things, women’s hockey. Lena Wallin Kantzy, who carried out the investigation, proposes a clearer series structure – but also that the SDHL should be expanded to twelve teams for the 2029/2030 season.

The proposal has now been sent out for consultation. Skellefteå AIK has taken note of the proposal, and is positively disposed.

– Spontaneously, it feels reasonable. We have been waiting for a proposal to come, but spontaneously – without having had time to delve into it – it feels positive, says Ulrika Dahlgren, general manager of AIK.

AIK has been a driving force in developing the series system since the restart of the women’s team in 2017.

Is this the change you wanted to make back then?

– We must remember that one of the major challenges women’s hockey has is the number. We need to do extensive work in the clubs and make sure that it is replenished from below. Now the number of players has increased a lot in recent years, and we will likely have a completely different base in the future. There is a desire to bring about a change like this in order to create good development steps for the young people who are coming, says Dahlgren.

The proposal, which is based on the SDHL continuing as the top league, that the NDHL become a second level in two leagues – northern and southern – over the entire season, that the junior league that is now played in the spring is played throughout the season, and that there should be regional leagues that turn to.

– Another thing that I also think is good about the proposal is that you will have to compete up. It will not be quite like it has been in recent years that you can decide to play in the NDHL and then do it. There will be a different set of requirements, but there will also be more room for field hockey and to develop at the level you are at.

Do you see any concerns?

– It is very early, but a concern is always the economy. It will be tough and challenge the economies, and you have to be humble about that. But one advantage is that, if this proposal goes through, it will be done in several stages. I think it’s important to be able to grow into the costume a little bit, you can’t speed up processes like this.