Swedish Women's Hockey League starts it's 11th year and the previous five seasons have been dominated by two teams - Linköping HC and Luleå HF. These two have won all but one regular season league table and all but one championship in that time. They were again the two finalists as Luleå ran out winners and dominated the series last spring.
But things maybe about to change in the league. Not least, because the majority of the Swedish national team that won Olympic Silver in 2006 are now retiring. Indeed, many of the stars of the first generation of professional women's hockey in Sweden are hanging up their skates as they enter their 30s.
On the flip side the SDHL is starting, like the men's league, to attract some of the best players from around the world into the clubs. And as the old guard step down it is also allowing space for new names to step up into the spotlight.
My money is on Luleå to do the double and win the league and championship, as they did last year because of the enormous competence across the team. But I think there will be a broader spread of teams vying for top spot against them, with Brynäs IF perhaps the strongest challengers.
Over the next few days we will take a look at some of the "leavers", the some "stayers" and new recruits who will seeking glory on Swedish ice this year.
@ABritOnThinIce1
