Most of the other major ice hockey clubs had long since launched their women's initiatives when Frölunda finally started theirs in 2022. Färjestad, the arch-rival on the men's side, for example, started its women's team as early as 2014.
But when Frölunda got started, it went fast.
Thanks to some heavy recruitment, both on the leadership and player side, it only took three years before the Gothenburg club won its first Swedish Championship gold in the spring.
National team forward Hanna Olsson was one of those who joined, even though Frölunda was only in the second-highest series (NDHL) at the time.
We knew we had to start there. But we still tried to be professional in everything we did and really challenge ourselves, says Hanna Olsson ahead of Friday's season premiere.
Winding road
The fact that the team had an already established major club behind it was also important, she continues.
The men's team brings in the big money and you can also feel it in terms of facilities and organization that it makes a huge difference to have a big club behind you.
But the fact that we managed to win the Swedish Championship gold so early also shows that there is a decent investment here.
Färjestad's road to the top series has, in contrast, been both longer and much more winding. The Karlstad club won its series in the women's second division year after year. But also fell year after year in the qualifying play.
Until this spring, when Färjestad won the qualifying match against Leksand – 156 minutes and 19 seconds into the decisive match.
Actually, the gap between NDHL and SDHL is far too big. It's almost impossible to get up, so you really need to have a good plan, says Emma Murén, who is the playing sports manager for the newcomer.
It's a damn hard road to take, but in the end it succeeded.
"Something extra"
Comparing with Frölunda's initiative is difficult, however, Emma Murén believes.
Of course, we've looked a bit at them. But it's a bit of different worlds, she says.
Frölunda recruited quite a lot from the start. But they did it very well in their way and we've done it well in our way. There's no right or wrong here and now we're both up.
This winter, four rivalry matches between the clubs are now awaiting on the women's side as well.
It's going to be great fun to go to Karlstad. And fun for the audience, given the big rivalry, says Hanna Olsson.
It's still something extra to meet Färjestad.
The SDHL (Swedish Women's Hockey League) begins on Friday evening. Here are the matches in the first round: Brynäs–Linköping, Luleå–Frölunda (both 18.00), SDE–Djurgården, Modo–Färjestad, Skellefteå–HV71 (all 19.00).
The regular season runs until February 27 next year. The teams meet each other four times (two at home, two away). The top 8 teams advance to the playoffs, while teams 9 and 10 go to the qualifying play.
Last year, Frölunda won the Swedish Championship gold after a final win against Luleå. Färjestad is a newcomer this year.
