Rosters are beginning to take shape across the SDHL and some teams have made big changes. Here's a look at Brynäs, Färjestad BK, and Frölunda HC.

Brynäs

Notable Departures:

Celine Tedenby - F - Signed with Skellefteå - The veteran showed flashes of brilliance during Brynäs’ playoff run.

Annie Silén - D - Big Swedish national team defender has signed with newly-promoted Färjestad.

Sanni Vanhanen - C - The 2024-25 SDHL Rookie of the Year departs for her freshman season at Ohio State. 

Notable Re-Signings:

Jenny Antonsson - F - At only 23 years old, the veteran will return for her ninth SDHL campaign.

Jenniina Nylund - F - The team’s 2024-25 top scorer returns after putting to rest rumours of a foray into the PWHL Draft. 

Ena Nystrøm - G - Workhorse Nystrøm started 29 of the club’s 36 matches in her rookie SDHL season, finishing second in the league in saves (763) and fourth in wins (15) while facing an average of 29 shots per game.

Julia Östlund - F - The captain will be looking for redemption after a challenging season marked by injuries and defensive struggles. Still has potential to contribute offense when healthy.

Notable Arrivals:

Viivi Vainikka - F - From Luleå - One of the league’s most dynamic offensive talents adds to a forward core that already includes prolific countryman Nylund and emerging Swedish star Hanna Thuvik.

Elin Svensson - F - From HV71 - The young forward was a late cut from Team Sweden before the World Championships, but captained HV71 last season while scoring at nearly a point per game pace. 

Ebba Hesselvall - F- From Södertälje (NDHL) - Only 15-years-old and 5’3, the teen is an offensive force: She tallied 44 points in only 17 games for SSK last season and has the swagger to make waves in the big league right away.

Question Marks:  Defenders. Brynäs needs D who can maintain possession and exit the defensive  zone efficiently.  Last year’s team struggled with breakouts and turnovers all year.  Import defenders Taylor Baker and Maude Poulin-Labelle remain free agents. Will the team re-sign them or go in search of new talent? 

Färjestad BK

Notable Departures

Julia Blitz - F - NCAA alum provided important secondary scoring.

Alli Borrow - F - Speedy Canadian tallied 51 points in 27 games last season and was instrumental to club’s drive to promotion.

Wilma Johansson - F - Veteran has 278 SDHL games and 146 points under her belt.

Emma Murén - F - FBK’s top scorer in 2024-25 retired from playing to assume the role of GM. 

Julia Pettersson - F - Retired

Amanda Rampado - G - Her 97-save win over SDHL incumbent Leksand carried FBK into the top league for the first time in their history. Could she appear in the league with another club?

Notable Re-Signings

Rae Breton - D - Defensive specialist from UNH will take her first strides in Sweden’s top league.

Julie Gough - F - The Penn State product tallied 19 goals in 25 games for FBK last season.

Grace Parker - D - Parker’s size and offensive upside will be critical to FBK success.

Lene Tendenes - D - Offensive-minded defender returns to SDHL after a two-year hiatus.

Notable Arrivals

Lauren Bellefontaine - F - From MoDo - Former ‘Cuse captain brings a wealth of experience and toughness

Emma Bergesen - D - From SDE - Dynamic Norwegian reunites with childhood teammate Tendenes to strengthen FBK blueline

Vilma Nilsson - F - From Leksands IF - Big forward captained SDHL’s AIK, will need to tighten up defensively to earn ice time

Annie Silén - D - From Brynäs - The Swedish national team vet brings composure to a team that will likely spend extended periods in its defensive zone

Question Marks: Goaltending.  Despite putting up stellar numbers in the NDHL last season, Amanda Rampado will not return. A fledgling SDHL team cannot survive without a star between the pipes.  Will the team attempt to sign a Swedish league veteran, or will they bring in an import with a proven college or international track record? Boston Fleet goalie Emma Söderberg checks all the boxes, and rumours have been swirling about her possible return to the SDHL. Stay tuned.

Frölunda HC

Notable Departures

Michelle Karvinen - F - To the delight of fans everywhere (except, of course, in Göteborg), the international superstar has declared for the PWHL Draft.

Stephanie Neatby - G - Fan favourite Neatby was not offered a contract extension after backstopping the team to its first ever SDHL championship. She signed for HV71 where she will reunite with head coach Thomas Pettersen, under whom she played for two seasons with Linköping.

Felicia Linder - D - Veteran retires after appearing in only 23 games last season.

Sydney Brodt - F - Former PWHL and Team USA member ends playing career to assume head coach position at NCAA D3’s College of St. Scholastica.

Notable Re-Signings

Paula Bergström - D - The big Swedish national team vet is an imposing presence on the blueline.

Hanna Olsson - F - Offensive magician Olsson signed a two-year extension in February.

Andrea Dalen - F - Coming off her most productive SDHL season since 2021-22, Dalen returns with veteran leadership, shot blocking and no shortage of offensive upside.

Sanni Rantala - D - After a strong rookie campaign that saw her register 23 points and a plus-28 rating in 35 games, Rantala has the potential to be even more dominant in Year 2.

Emilia Vesa - F - The Finn is physically imposing, fast, and has great vision. Expect a strong bounce back after a season marred by injury.

Notable Arrivals

Andrea Brändli - G - Rumours suggested that Brändli, the SDHL’s Goalie of the Year last season, would declare for the PWHL Draft.  Frölunda GM Kim Martin enticed her to stay in Sweden, a feat met with excitement in Göteborg.

Melissa Jefferies - D - The Canadian blueliner makes the jump to Sweden after five strong seasons at St.Lawrence University. She fortifies an already formidable defense core.

Emily Nix - F - The German speedster arrives after a fine but inconsistent season in SDE where she appeared to struggle to earn the trust of her coaches.  With a fresh start, Nix adds yet another layer of scoring to FHC’s already fearsome offense.

Moa Stridh - F - The 14-year-old is one of the most exciting Swedish prospects in years. Already six feet tall, with skill and strength to spare, she should thrive under the tutelage of FHC’s veterans. 

Question Marks: Sports wisdom says that the only thing more difficult than winning a championship is repeating.  Frölunda’s roster is, currently at least, one of the strongest in the league.  Will new arrivals and the departure of leaders Karvinen and Neatby upset team chemistry and lead to the dreaded championship hangover? Only time will tell.