Sam Hallam's four-year tenure as national team captain is coming to an end.
The Olympics in Milan and the World Championships in Switzerland remain before Hallam ends his time with the national team and returns to club ice hockey and a coaching job at Swiss team Geneve-Servette.
When he took over, after leading Växjö to three Swedish Championship gold medals, expectations and hopes were high.
But two World Cup bronze medals with top teams and a missed final in the Four Nations have cast doubt.
Especially in the way his team lost the two most important matches: the World Cup semi-finals against the USA (in Globen) and against the Czech Republic (2024).
"They're different types of matches, but we're losing some of the structure and organization that we've had in previous tournaments. It's a step to take," he says.
Not satisfied
When TT sat down for a longer interview with Hallam in Stockholm before his departure, he admitted that he is not satisfied.
So far.
I can't be satisfied. We're climbing the world rankings, we've won two straight medals, I think we're playing a Four Nations where we're taking the game against Canada (loss after extra time) to a good level, we beat the USA, we're undefeated over 60 minutes - but that's still two bronzes.
"Most people, including myself, go into it to try to win and if you don't do that, you're not really satisfied. Now there are two tournaments left for me where I'd like to improve on that result," he says.
Have you doubted yourself?
Well, you do that continuously. It's a good way to evaluate yourself and get better, but it comes more from my own thoughts and analysis than from external opinion.
“Handled it better”
Because among those outside opinions were calls to replace him after the bronze at the World Cup in Globen. His outburst in the Viaplay studio after the semi-final loss to the USA didn't make matters any better.
"I thought I could have handled the interview better, people in the studio could have handled it better, but it is what it is. Then you leave it," he says.
Ahead of the Olympics, Tre Kronor has suffered several injuries - star centre Leo Carlsson will miss the Games through injury. Defenceman Jonas Brodin's injury is also a setback. At one point in January, seven of the players were injured at the same time.
"It's inevitable to suffer injuries. It's up to us to handle them and move on; we feel confident that we have the depth to stand strong," he says.
Pasta or Fish and chips?
Fish and chips, both for the breading and the vinegar (Hallam has English roots on his father's side).
Ebba Andersson or Sandra Näslund?
Those are two good choices, but I say Ebba. I think she's so competitive, even though they're both tough.
Sun or ski holiday?
Skiing holidays, that's what I've chosen in recent years over sun holidays. I like the Swedish mountains, Vemdalsfjällen among others.
Olympic medal or World Cup gold?
Both.
2022 (Beijing): Four.
2018 (Pyeongchang): Fifth.
2014 (Sochi): Silver.
2010 (Vancouver): Fifth.
2006 (Turin): Gold.
