For the first time - three Smålands team in the highest series

When the league now has a team in Småland, they mean more hot derby.

- When we meet HV and the Lakers, we will of course do everything possible to beat them even though they may have a higher goal image than we and want to win the SM gold, says Fredrik Pettersson-Wentzell, goalkeeper IK Oskarshamn.

HV71 and Växjö Lakers have played derby matches against each other for several years. But whoever wins the fight for Smaland they disagree.

"It is the constant struggle of who is big brother and who is little brother, but we try to do as best we can with the conditions we have," says Johan Davidsson assistant sports manager for HV 71.

- I have no doubt what to answer, the question is just how much I should plan on the others! Well, obviously the Lakers are taking home that fight, says Sam Hallam, head coach at Växjö Lakers.