Hockey World Mourns Passing Of Swedish Women's Hockey Advocate Lars G Karlsson

Long before the SDHL emerged as a prominent league, and Swedish athletes were excelling in the PWHL, the sport was pushed and pulled along by supporters, including Sweden's Lars G Karlsson.

The Swedish hockey community is in mourning after Karlsson's passing, at age 73. Karlsson passed away after an illness.

“Lars G Karlsson dedicated his life to helping ice hockey grow, and our sport is stronger because of his commitment,” said IIHF President Franz Reindl in an IIHF statement. “His tireless work for women’s and girls’ hockey helped create opportunities for generations of players. He understood that developing our game starts with giving people the chance to be part of it."

While Karlsson was involved in all aspects of Swedish hockey over his career, his efforts to move Swedish hockey forward for women and girls are particularly of note.

Karlsson served as General Manager for Sweden's women's national team from 1999 through to the 2006 Olympics where Sweden won a historic silver medal. 

"Lars G was a passionate and dedicated hockey worker who dedicated his life to Swedish ice hockey," said Swedish Ice Hockey Association chairman Anders Larsson in a translated statement. "A journey that began in Vendelsö and then involved roles in the Stockholm district as well as nationally and internationally. His contribution is difficult to summarize in words. But if I have to highlight something, it is how Lars G led the way for women's and girls' hockey and the Damkronorna at a time when hockey for girls was not as obvious as it is today."