Färjestads coach on criticism from SVT's expert: "Saying against"

In mid-January, SVT Sports expert Jonas Andersson strongly criticized SHL.

"SHL is the worst ever this year," Andersson said.

Ahead of this year's SHL season, which starts September 14, he is adamant that the series is worse than it was before.

- We in Sweden think SHL is a little better than it really is if I am to be honest, he says, and develops:

- Now I feel that it is about the same as last year. It's not much worse, but it's about the same. But what is interesting is that there have been very interesting new acquisitions. And it's going to be pretty even, so it's going to be exciting.

- But it doesn't feel much stronger than last year. The other leagues are getting better all the time, and it will not be SHL for the team to lose too many players.

Färjestads coach Johan Pennerborn does not agree with the criticism.

- I say 100 percent. I think SHL has gotten better and better and this season looks really strong. Many teams have recruited well and received many players from, for example, AHL, Pennerborn tells SVT Sport and continues:

- Then I understand what Jonas Andersson means. The entry of Europe and the KHL has also depleted our product. On the contrary, I think Swedish ice hockey coaches, youth, junior and a-team, should take on what a fantastic job they do.

Nor does Roger Rönnberg, coach at Frölunda, agree.

- A few years ago, it was pretty good, then SHL was quite watered down. However, as the league looks today, I think it is different this season. There are many interesting players, national team players who returned home and exciting younger players. So this year I disagree.