It was a young Damkronorna who played the WC during the late summer.

Several former key players who have passed the age of 30 were missing from the squad, including Emma Nordin, Johanna Fällman, Lisa Johansson and goalkeeper Sara Grahn, all in the reigning champion Luleå on weekdays.

The league captain Ulf Lundberg has previously said that he selected the squad on sporting grounds and that everyone he asked the question said yes, and stated that there is a generational change going on.

"Good lighter fluid for them"

Luleå's coach Mikael Forsberg thinks he has players who are good enough to be in the national team.

- I think it's good ignition fluid for them and really hope they show how good they are right from the start of the season.

I think they will prove on the ice that they are good enough to play in the national team regardless of what you think about age.

If you're good enough... We like the mix of young and old, it's usually a winning concept, he tells SVT Sport.

"You want to work towards the future"

31-year-old Emma Nordin started the season by deciding the 3-1 opener against HV71 with her two goals.

She sees the gold hunt with Luleå as the only goal right now.

- I don't know how to stand from the national team management, but I feel quite satisfied, there are girls who are coming up.

There is a future and I know that you want to work towards the future.

31 years is not an age.

Are you feeling all set?

- I never like to close doors completely because you don't know what's going to happen, but that's how the feeling is and has been.

HIGHLIGHTS: Luleå-HV71 16/9:

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Highlights from the match between HV71 and Luleå in round 1 of the SDHL.