A disputed play involving Leon Bristedt ignited tensions between Rögle and HV71, culminating in a heated exchange between the two teams’ head coaches on the post-game press conference.
HV71 built a 3-1 lead on the road against Rögle, appearing poised to secure a crucial three points in the SHL’s tight bottom-of-the-table battle. However, Rögle mounted a furious comeback, tying the game at 3-3 with just eight seconds remaining in regulation, forcing overtime and ultimately a shootout. HV71 ultimately prevailed in the shootout to claim the bonus point.
The late equalizer for Rögle came after a controversial penalty call. HV71’s Niklas Hansson was assessed a cross-checking penalty with just over two minutes left in the third period on Leon Bristedt. HV71 head coach Anton Blomqvist immediately signaled that Bristedt embellished the contact to draw the penalty.
During the post-game press conference, Blomqvist addressed the situation that led to the penalty and Rögle’s late goal.
“It’s obviously frustrating to concede a goal like that at the end,” Blomqvist stated. “I told Niklas Hansson he needs to be much, much more aware of who he’s pushing in the back. He needs to be smarter and recognize who he’s contacting.”
Heated Exchange Between Dan Tangnes and Anton Blomqvist
Following Blomqvist’s comments, Dan Tangnes took exception, sparking a verbal altercation between the two coaches.
“It doesn’t really get productive when you start saying things like that…,” Blomqvist began.
“Now you’ve said it, so you need to stand by it,” Tangnes interjected.
“That’s what I’m saying, I reckon Hansson… You’ve coached ‘Hasse,’ you recognize he’s smart and he needs to be smarter there,” Blomqvist responded.
“You just said he wasn’t smart. Is he smart or not smart?” Tangnes challenged.
“I’m saying he’s smart in general, but he made a poor decision and contacted that player. He needs to be more aware of who he’s pushing, that’s what I said,” Blomqvist clarified.
Coach Storms Out of Press Conference: “Loser!”
When questioned about his thoughts on the situation and Blomqvist’s remarks, Tangnes became visibly agitated.
“I have the utmost respect for Anton and the situation he and HV71 are in, and the work he’s doing there, but I don’t like it when you start talking about players on other teams. You’ve just won, stick to that. There’s no reason to. In an emotional moment, don’t start talking about who’s diving, embellishing, or who’s smart or not smart. Comment on your own team and your own players,” Tangnes said angrily.
“I was just commenting on Hansson,” Anton Blomqvist replied.
“No, you were commenting on our player and suggesting we embellished it. You just wrapped it up nicely. Stand by what you say instead, speak plainly. Can you do that, or what?” Tangnes exclaimed.
After a brief silence, Tangnes slammed his fist on the table, stood up, and stormed out of the room, shouting:
“Loser!”
Tangnes’ abrupt departure brought the press conference to an end. Watch the full press conference here.
HV71 secured the 4-3 victory after a shootout.
Source: SHL League Page @ Elite Prospects
