Immediately after the Damkronorna tournament in Ängelholm last week, Hjalmarsson – named Player of the Year in Sweden last season – got on the plane to Toronto.
This week, the PWHL teams' training camp has started for the season and it is now for Hjalmarsson to show that she is worthy of a contract.
The teams must present their final squads by November 19th.
Swedish teammate
She is not the only Swede in Toronto. The women's national team captain Anna Kjellbin is one of four Swedes who already have a contract for the upcoming season in the league.
Hjalmarsson could be the fifth.
"My chances are good, I would say. I've played with Linköping during the fall and have had 15-20 games in me so I think I'm coming in good shape," says the Småland native from Bankeryd.
She has played six World Cup tournaments with the Women's Crowns and two Olympics and has experience from playing against the best.
“Maybe it looks that way”
Considering it's an important Olympic season – do you think this is a gamble?
Some may see it that way, but I have been able to play with Linköping during the fall, I will do my utmost to first and foremost play for a place and then take a role in the team where I can get ice time. If you don't play as much during the games, the highest level is in training, says Hjalmarsson.
This is the third year that the women's professional league PWHL - the women's equivalent of the NHL - has been played, and Toronto has been a top team in the regular season the first two years, but has been eliminated in the semifinals in the playoffs both seasons.
If she does not get a place, she will return to Linköping.
Goran Sundberg/TT
Facts: This is PWHL
TT
The PWHL (Professional Women's Hockey League) has existed since the 2023-24 season and has expanded from six to eight teams this season, four from the United States and four from Canada.
Teams: Boston Fleet, Minnesota Frost, Montreal Victoire, New York Sirens, Ottawa Charge, Seattle Torrent (new), Toronto Sceptres, Vancouver Goldeneyes (new).
Minnesota has been champions the first two seasons.
The season runs from November (the premiere is November 21) to May. The league takes a break for the Olympics.
Player salaries are set at a minimum of 330,000 kronor (the minimum salary is 35,000 dollars) and there is no cap on the maximum salary. However, at least six players per team must earn at least 80,000 dollars per season, equivalent to approximately 760,000 kronor.
Maja Nylén Persson, 24, defender, New York Sirens (last Swedish club: Brynäs).
Jessica Adolfsson, 27, back, Ottawa Charge (Linköping).
Anna Kjellbin, 31, defender, Toronto Sceptres (Luleå).
Lina Ljungblom, 24 years old, forward, Montreal Victoire (Modo).
Sample contract:
Sara Hjalmarsson, 27, forward, Toronto Sceptres (Linköping).
