The TV puck is Sweden's answer to "The Theater of Dreams", for many the path to hockey happiness and a successful career.


But how should all those who are removed think on the TV couch?

A degree project from 2016, by hockey coach Jonas Holmström, now in HV71, on Swedes in the SHL, KHL and NHL, showed that more than every fifth player who has not played the TV puck still managed to reach the elite.


Nicklas Lidström is one of Swedish hockey's giants.

He played the TV puck - but has told SVT Sport that he thinks the tournament is booming:

- It's just a weekend in the hope of a long career.

You should not pull too big gears and think that it is not an idea to continue just because you did not join the TV puck.

Driven and passion for hockey is what allows you to get far and have a great career, not a single weekend during a TV puck.


Obviously, it is perfectly possible to succeed without the TV puck.

Not even those who are praised individually in the tournament can count on elite careers.

Names of players who managed without the TV puck include Mattias Norström, Challe Berglund, Kristofer Ottosson and most recently Dick Axelsson.



Only in the winter line-up at the SHL club Örebro are there three successful forwards who never got the chance, including Mathias Bromé who reached Tre Kronor and signed an NHL contract with Detroit:


- Of course it was tough when you were 15 and not allowed to play the TV puck .

It is a fantastic tournament for those who are allowed to participate, and should remain as it is, but there are other ways.

It is important to continue working on, there will be many other chances to do something good, Bromé says to SVT Sport.

Two teammates agree with that:


- It was tough for the moment.

But if you look at the whole picture, it's just a tournament that must not stand in the way.

You can move on anyway.

A lot can happen when you love the sport, says Christopher Mastomäki, team captain Örebro.


- It was sad not to be allowed to participate.

But if you are passionate about hockey, there are other ways.

Up with your chin, keep driving.

Work harder than the others, says Glenn Gustafsson.