The Rögle forward comes out into the arena foyer where the players meet the press during the pandemic to be able to keep a proper distance.

He does it with a smile on his face after yesterday's big victory with 5-1 over Växjö in the third Swedish Championship final.

A necessary victory for Rögle who keeps their golden dreams alive after reducing the final series to 1-2 in matches.

Leon Bristedt contributed with one assist, has scored points in six of the last seven matches and with ten playoff points, four goals and six assists, he shares the lead in the points league.

Something he does not say he knows about:

- Well, I actually had no idea.

It's fun to find ways and contribute a little, I've had a tough part of the season so it's fun that it comes at the right time.

"Have a bit left"

He is back in terms of points.

But not a hundred in the ice age.

Before covid-19, he averaged 17.07 per game, second most of Rögle's forwards.

Yesterday he had 13.09 in playing time.

TT: Physically, where do you compare to before you became ill?

- It is very difficult to say, I have had this disease for quite some time and it is only now that it is starting to let go and get better.

Of course I have a bit left, but once I'm on the ice I would say I'm where I've been, he says.

- I would probably be able to go up a little more in playing time, but we have such a deep team so then it is better that I am a little careful, he says.

Rögle's broad squad has become Leon Bristedt's happiness.

He has been given the time he needs to recover.

"A trying time"

Bristedt, a Stockholmer with IK Waxholm as his mother club, became ill in December.

SHL has had lots of corona falls during the season, most of them have been gone for a week or so and then returned.

Leon Bristedt is one of the few who has been hit hard by long-term suites.

He was allowed to rest all of January and since his comeback in February it has been up and down.

He has described it as a training or match has drained him of strength as after a marathon.

For Bristedt, who has speed and energy as a hallmark, it has been tough.

- It has not been hopeless, I have trained and known that the day the body responds, I will be involved and contribute.

But it has been frustrating because it has taken so long.

I have received incredibly good help from the coaches and the entire organization.

I have received time, support and rested for longer periods.

- It is a trying time, but that is when you learn things and I think that no matter what, these are things you can carry with you further in life, he says.

KLIPP: Rögle won the first ever Swedish Championship final in Ängelholm

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Rögle won the first ever Swedish Championship final in Ängelholm Photo: Bildbyrån