Linköping HC have been near the top of the Swedish Hockey League in recent years, but so far the ultimate prize has escaped them. Still, it's been an impressive rise to the upper echelon for a relatively new club

by Stefan Lövstrand

Linköping HC have been near the top of the Swedish Hockey League in recent years, despite relatively few years in the top league. Their beginnings were in 1976 with a general vote where the local newspaper collected suggestions of what the new team should be named. The winner was simply Linköpings HC and the club's first decade would would see ups and downs, both financially and on the ice. But their game plan was simple, and it started to pay off in the late 1980s. In the early '90s, they finally reached Division 1.

Following some more financial difficulties associated with the 1992 Swedish bank crisis, the team began to climb once more. In the mid '90s they started getting great results, both on the ice and on the balance sheet. The economic situation stabilized, and they climbed into the Allsvenskan in 1996 and then finally the Elitserien in 1999. Playing in the highly competitive top Swedish league proved a challenge and they were relegated after one season, but returned in 2001 and have stayed there ever since.

Since 2004 Linköping have only missed the playoffs once, in 2012, but finding success in the playoffs has been difficult. They reached the finals back to back years in 2007 and 2008 but lost both times, which are the best finishes Linköping has so far in its history books. Following the second finals appearance in 2008 the team managed to win their first Nordic Trophy.

Old arena – new name

From their beginning until their ascention to Sweden's top league, Linköping played their home games at Stångebrohallen. In 2004 they moved into a new arena, Cloetta Centre. The opening of the new arena co-incided with the 2004-05 NHL lockout, so Linköping fans filled the new 8500-seat venue to see many top stars play. The building was re-named SAAB Arena in 2014, with the naming rights acquired by the Swedish aerospace firm, which has its main plant in Linköping.

Notorious names

Linköping have their history of notable names, like many other clubs. Mike Helber is perhaps the most notable, together with Ulf Söderström they continue to work in the organization. Jaroslav Hlinka, Jan Hlaváč, Fredrik Norrena, Ivan Majeský and Carl Söderberg are some of the players that have flourished during their time in the Linköping jersey.

Team facts

CHL seasons

2015-16: 1st in Group A, Round of 32
2014-15: 1st in Group F, Quarter-Finals

Click here for current information about this club.

NOTE: This article has been updated since its original publication.