Vimmerby‘s Lindgren Scores Sudden-Death Winner After Whirlwind SHL Debut & Cross-Country Travel
VIMMERBY, SWEDEN – Elias Lindgren, 20, capped a remarkable three-games-in-three-days stretch with the sudden-death winning goal for Vimmerby Hockey in a 4-3 victory Friday night, just hours after a whirlwind SHL debut with Växjö Lakers and a frantic journey back to his current team. The improbable sequence began Wednesday and involved a chartered flight, multiple airport sprints, and a signed contract for a future SHL role.
Lindgren’s brief stint with Växjö began with a 3 a.m. wake-up call, as he told reporters. Knowing he’d be facing Växjö in Luleå on Thursday – the SHL’s longest road trip - he instantly headed to Växjö upon waking. Unable to join the team’s warm-up, he participated in a lunch meeting before rushing to the airport for a flight to Luleå. “At least I was at the video meeting,” Lindgren laughed. The chartered flight landed in Luleå at 4 p.m., and he was immediately at the arena. “Absolutely magical to be able to play in the SHL. Its something you’ve dreamed about,” he said.
However, the opportunity was short-lived. On Friday,Lindgren learned he would be traveling alone as Växjö remained in Sweden for a match against Skellefteå. His return trip began with an 8 a.m. wake-up and a flight from Luleå to Stockholm, followed by lunch at Arlanda Airport and a final flight to Kalmar, landing at a quarter past three. His girlfriend picked him up in Kalmar,driving him directly to Vimmerby for a team gathering.
“I missed the collection, so it was just a matter of changing and driving,” Lindgren explained, referring to the pre-game team meeting. The roughly one hour and 45 minute journey proved tight, ensuring his luggage arrived with little time to spare.
The exhausting schedule came on the heels of news broken by expressen on Thursday: Lindgren has already signed an SHL agreement with Växjö for the 2026/27 season. While remaining focused on his current role with Vimmerby, Lindgren acknowledged Växjö’s ambition.”I can’t say much. There is full focus on Vimmerby, but it is clear that they want to move up,” he said. “Yes, you felt that you could handle it [the SHL level]. Then there is a big difference.”
Despite the travel chaos, Lindgren delivered on the ice, securing the victory for Vimmerby with the game-winning goal in sudden death.