After securing their place in the CHL for 2020/21, attention then turned to the organisation’s first SHL playoffs in a quarter of a century – before the Coronavirus pandemic put paid to the rest of the season. “It was definitely tough to take – our town hadn’t had top-flight playoffs for 25 years until we qualified! We have great fans here and many of them remember that time, so of course it was a big disappointment when the season got cancelled” explained Sjögren, who himself hadn’t played in any post-season series since 2017!

“Overall though, you have to look outside hockey at the bigger things going on and why action had to be taken. A week or so before we were talking among ourselves that shutting down everything is the sort of thing that could never happen, but then all of a sudden it was something we had to deal with. It was disappointing but now we have to be ready for the new season.”

The 32-year-old returned to Rögle after three seasons abroad, the latter two of which were spent with CHL experience with the ZSC Lions. What made the Swede opt for Switzerland after a year in the KHL? “At that point in time it seemed like a good adventure for me to go and play in there, and when I saw that ZSC had both Swedish coaches and Swedish players in the team then I felt like it would be a really good place to play,” he recalled. “Zurich are always a tough team to face, so playing there was a big challenge and something I’m proud I was able to do. As soon as we started the contract negotiations it was a no-brainer really, and I have very good memories from that time.”

The 2017/18 season was a thoroughly odd one for the Lions. A poor regular season and CHL elimination at the hands of Liberec led to the firing of Head Coach Hans Wallson, but the team that just made the playoffs them went all the way to winning the title.

“Individually it was also a tough year for me, too. I suffered with some injuries and didn’t play in the playoffs at all. In the regular season we underachieved and were a lot better than we played, and actually just qualifying for the post-season was a huge relief for us in the end and took some weight off of everyone’s shoulders,” Sjögren explained. “At that point it was almost like a refresh for us, and everyone in the locker room saw the potential we had if we got ourselves together. From then on, we played like a team and were very tough to beat. Although I was injured, it was a fun group to be a part of.”

“Winning in Game 7 in Lugano was so cool, even just sitting in the stands watching it although it was very tough to be on the sidelines! The team did great and we enjoyed the next few days’ worth of celebrations.”

With a National League championship medal in his pocket, returning to almost home was to come. “I moved back because I’m almost from here and this is where I played my youth hockey. I wanted to come back and play for Rögle as it’s a special organisation for me, and the team also wanted me back long-term, so it wasn’t a hard decision to make. For me, it was the right time to come home, hopefully play well, and be a good leader in the organisation for our younger guys” he said of the move back to Sweden

After a season back at home, Sjögren was then handed the team’s captaincy. “I’m incredibly proud to be captain of this organisation. We have a lot of good players and leaders in our group, so for the coaches to see me as a leader makes me very proud. I’m just trying to make the best of the chance I have.”

He continued: “It’s funny how hockey changes as you get older. It’s still a team sport but how you make your own path is very much down to everyone as an individual. As you get older you can see a lot of the younger guys thinking about things, possibly too much sometimes, so it’s important to have players around who can be there and help out. I think I’m growing into that role to be able to help out where possible.”

Being born in Landskrona, how did Sjögren end up playing for Rögle when Malmö is equally as close. He explained: “In my home town when you hit 14 or 15 the players who have the ability to go further usually choose Malmö or Rögle. There were three or four of us who went to Rögle because one of our parents was a fan of that team, so we went there and starting practicing – the rest is history! I was lucky to be picked for the team there and it was good for me to then get the chance as a senior.”

With 2020 now moving into late August, the focus for most players is now on the new season. And for Rögle, a first date with European opposition in the CHL. “Playing in the CHL is huge for this organisation, and we’re really looking forward to it. I think we’re experienced enough and good enough to beat anyone, but of course, it’s a very difficult competition to win,” he added. “But while it’s important to be humble, you have to go for it otherwise there’s no point playing! We’re a competitive group, and our coaches are as well.”

Summing up what’s ahead for his team in the next nine months, Sjögren concluded: “Our biggest challenge this season is to stay at the level we are, to compete and be a top four team in the SHL again will be incredibly tough, but with how our team is structured and the guys we have in the locker room, it’s definitely achievable.  In the CHL I think we can be successful. I won’t say we’ll win it, but I think we’ll be very competitive and hope we can go all the way.”