Oduya: "Training was more important than our matches"
Johnny Oduya was dropped from Tv-pucken and never attended hockey high school.
On June 24, 2013, he lifted the Stanley Cup trophy for the first time, on February 24, 2014, he played in the Olympic final, and on June 15, 2015, he won the NHL playoffs for the second time.
When Sportbladet asked Oduya to explain how this happened, he described a childhood that almost perfectly matches the Swedish Ice Hockey Association's new strategy.
"But I'm not sure it will work today," says the 37-year-old.
In Sportbladet's review #Utgallrad, coaches and parents testify to the pressure surrounding selections for Tv-pucken and hockey high schools, which divides teams, stresses children, and extinguishes many's love for ice hockey. Now, the Swedish Ice Hockey Association wants to reduce the focus on selections and instead shine the spotlight on the players' home environments.
Children should stay longer in their clubs, greater focus should be placed on their mental health, and resources should be invested in the educational environments of local associations.
Johnny Oduya is an excellent example of how there is a path to the top outside of Tv-pucken and hockey high schools. The Hammarby-trained defenseman won two Stanley Cups and an Olympic silver medal before ending his successful career a few years ago.
