Tonight, three matches are played in the hockeyall Swedish playoff series. They will most likely be played as planned, despite the recommendation by the Public Health Authority today to limit the number of spectators to 500 per match.

- I find it very difficult to see that we could set off at such short notice, given the progress of teams, and that audiences are already inside the arenas, with the greatest probability. However, we will clearly follow the government's message at tomorrow's second Swedish final between Modo and Björklöven, Guiance tells SVT Sport.

Four options

The most likely thing is that the government follows the public health authority's message, and that gives Hockeyallsvenskan four options:

  • To play the matches with empty stands.
  • To play with a maximum of 500 spectators.
  • To postpone matches for an indefinite future.
  • To set the season completely.

"That is the reasoning we will have to bring now, after we have read the government's decision," says Stephan Guiance, who cannot say what the decision will be.

But is it an option to set the rest of the season?

- Formally, the decision is not with us as a league, but with the Swedish Ice Hockey Association, which owns the competition business. But that depends on what decision the government makes. But it can be an alternative absolutely.

How would that feel?

- It would not feel good, given the work and commitment that has been put into the players, audience and supporters of our clubs.

SVT Sport has sought out the Swedish ice hockey association's general secretary Tommy Boustedt and the competition manager Olof Östblom.