Modo Hockey
Swedish club known for developing NHL stars.
Modo Hockey is a professional ice hockey club based in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden. Founded in 1921, the club has won two Swedish Hockey League (SHL) championships, in 1979 and 2007, and is notable for producing numerous NHL stars through its junior system.
Quick Facts
- Text Color
- #000000
- Team
- MoDo Hockey
- City
- Örnsköldsvik, Sweden
- League
- HockeyAllsvenskan
- Founded
- 27 March 1921
- Arena
- Hägglunds Arena
- Capacity
- 7,265
- Gm
- Henrik Gradin
- Coach
- Mattias Karlin
- Captain
- David Rundblad
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The club was founded on 27 March 1921 as Alfredshems IK, but did not have an ice hockey program until 1938. In 1963, it was renamed Modo AIK after its main sponsor, Mo och Domsjö AB. The team moved into Kempehallen in 1964 and joined the Elitserien as an original team in 1975. Modo won its first championship in 1979, defeating Djurgårdens IF. In 1987, the club dropped 'AIK' and became Modo Hockey.
Notable players from Modo's junior system include Peter Forsberg and Markus Näslund, who debuted in 1990–91. Forsberg won the Guldpucken in 1993 and 1994. The Sedin twins, Daniel and Henrik, emerged next, sharing the Guldpucken in 1999. Modo moved to Swedbank Arena (now Hägglunds Arena) in 2006 and won its second championship in 2007. The club faced relegation battles in 2010–11, surviving via a 2–0 win over Södertälje in the Kvalserien final round.
Reader's Guide
Modo Hockey holds a significant legacy as a small-town club that has consistently produced elite NHL talent. Despite Örnsköldsvik's population of about 29,000, the club's system has developed stars such as Peter Forsberg, Markus Näslund, and the Sedin twins. Forsberg and Näslund were first-round picks in the 1991 NHL draft, and both won major NHL awards: Forsberg the Calder and Hart trophies, Näslund the Lester B. Pearson Award. The Sedins were drafted second and third overall in 1999 and both won the Art Ross Trophy (Henrik in 2010, Daniel in 2011). The club's 2007 championship, its first in 28 years, was fueled by the return of NHL players during the 2004–05 lockout and featured Per Svartvadet (Guldpucken winner) and Tobias Enström. Modo's home arena, Hägglunds Arena, regularly draws 7,000 fans, nearly a quarter of the town's population, underscoring the community's deep hockey culture.
Did You Know?
- Modo Hockey was originally founded as Alfredshems IK in 1921 and did not have an ice hockey program until 1938.
- Peter Forsberg won the Guldpucken as Swedish player of the year in 1993 and 1994.
- The Sedin twins shared the Guldpucken in 1999 at age 17.
- In 2009, Markus Näslund and Peter Forsberg both returned to play for Modo without salary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Modo Hockey?
Modo Hockey is a professional ice hockey club based in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden, established on 27 March 1921. The team is a well-known fixture in Swedish hockey and is especially celebrated for its player-development pipeline.
What league does Modo Hockey compete in for the 2024–25 season?
As of the 2024–25 campaign, Modo Hockey plays in HockeyAllsvenskan, Sweden's second-tier professional league. They have previously held top-flight SHL status, during which they captured two national titles.
Where does Modo Hockey play its home games?
Modo calls Hägglunds Arena its home venue, a facility the club has used since 2006. The arena is located in Örnsköldsvik, a small northern Swedish town with a population of roughly 29,000.
How many Swedish Hockey League championships has Modo Hockey won?
Modo has lifted the SHL trophy twice, in 1979 and 2007. Coming from a town of only about 29,000 residents, those two titles make the club a perennial underdog success story in Swedish hockey.
Why is Modo Hockey so closely associated with NHL star development?
The club's junior program has a long, well-documented record of nurturing young Swedish skaters who go on to sign with NHL teams. Fans and analysts often point to Modo as one of the most effective feeder systems in European hockey for American professional leagues.
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