Even though Sweden has gone from being a prioritized target for Islamist terrorist organizations to being a "legitimate" target, the terrorist threat level remains at level four on a five-level scale, according to a decision by the Security Service chief in January.
This means high security requirements for major events. Something that the Swedish Ice Hockey Association has noticed ahead of this year's World Championship, where the premiere puck is dropped on Friday at the Avicii Arena in Stockholm.
"Completely different championships"
It's clear that there was a post called security even in 2013 and that cost a bit, but it's not at all on the same level as now, says World Championship General Tony Wiréhn.
He was also the general secretary for the home World Championship in 2013.
It's a completely different situation. Both cost-wise and arrangement-wise. It can't be compared. It's two completely different championships.
How much does security cost?
I can't put an exact krona on it. It costs a number of millions, but I don't want to go out with an exact figure. It's comprehensive costs, but it's an important investment.
Tre Kronor's group is decided entirely in Stockholm – as well as two of four quarterfinals, both semifinals, and the bronze and final matches. A total of 34 matches. The remaining 30 are decided in Danish Herning, which hosts group B.
Ban on bags
Just like it has been for a longer period in Sweden now, it's not allowed to bring a bag into the matches.
All international guests are not as used to it, but there was a ban on bags at the World Championship in the Czech Republic last year. Even though I think you were allowed to bring a small bag. We have gone out with a lot of information about what applies, says Tony Wiréhn.
He feels safe with the security arrangements.
We have a very good cooperation with all involved authorities, says Wiréhn.
The Ice Hockey World Championship is decided in Stockholm and Danish Herning 9-25 May. Apart from one group match each, the cities have two quarterfinals each. Semifinals and medal matches are played in Avicii arena.
Sweden's matches:
9 May: Slovakia (8:20 pm).
10 May: Austria (4:20 pm).
12 May: Finland (8:20 pm).
14 May: Latvia (8:20 pm).
16 May: Slovenia (8:20 pm).
17 May: France (4:20 pm).
20 May: Canada (8:20 pm).
The group in Herning: Denmark, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, USA, Switzerland, Kazakhstan, Norway.
