In just over a month, two important positions at the Swedish Ice Hockey Association have become vacant after defections.
At the beginning of March, Secretary General Christer Plars left, and a couple of weeks ago it was announced that Strategic Sports Director Mike Helber was leaving after just 18 months.
After clear discussions, I have chosen to resign, as we have different views on the continued direction, Helber told Corren.
Anders Larsson on Helber's departure:
It is very important that there is a consensus on the way forward. And if there is not, I think it would be wise to go our separate ways.
Could replace the Frenchman
Anders Larsson could become the third major departure. He may run for the presidency of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) to succeed the outgoing Frenchman Luc Tardif.
The decision is not one Anders Larsson will make himself, but together with the board of the Swedish Ice Hockey Association.
We have a group that will look into this. It is also possible to run for vice-chairman from Europe. We have quite a bit of time, because a possible candidacy is due on June 1, says Anders Larsson, who sits on the IIHF board.
Are you interested in becoming IIHF president?
I haven't really thought about it, but we'll have to have a discussion internally. I said in another context that right now I'm not closing any doors, but I'm not opening any either.
Decision this fall
If Swedish ice hockey decides to promote Larsson and he is elected, he would have to leave his role as chairman of the Swedish Ice Hockey Association, a position he has held since 2015. The chairman election will take place in October.
Anders Larsson expects that a new general secretary - World Cup general Tony Wiréhn will serve as acting secretary - will start work this fall, and it will be his task to review the role of strategic sports director.
Exactly what that role will look like will have to be worked out in the fall, says Larsson.
