Published 2024-03-22 22.06
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GOTHENBURG. Max Veronneau was “too invisible” in the matches and was summoned to the coaches for development talks.
A month later, he decided the first quarter against Frölunda.
– He was right, says coach Challe Berglund.
Leksand has had a season that has been a rollercoaster.
Winning streaks have replaced losing streaks and during a period in early 2024, the team lost a lot of close games and scored few goals. One player who was conspicuous by his absence was Max Veronneau.
He was also summoned to the training room during the grim time. The coaches wanted to show pictures and explain that he was too invisible in the games.
Decided in extra time
It was an even first SC quarter-final between Frölunda and Leksand. So even that 13 minutes of extra time were required.
Then Max Veronneau stepped forward for Leksand.
The Canadian was about to lose his balance and half lying down he sent in the 1-2 goal.
– I got the puck and was in the castle, so I just thought I would get it on goal and maybe something good would happen. Luckily I got a good shot. “If those kinds of shots keep going in, it’s going to be a good series,” Veronneau said.
Berglund: “He was right”
Head coach Challe Berglund remembers the “development conversation” he had with Veronneau.
– We had a good meeting and Max is very good to work with. But when we said we wanted to see more of him, he smiled and said: “I’m going to be good in the playoffs”. We just laughed at him and there wasn’t much more to the conversation. And he was right. He is a distinct goalscorer who loves important and even matches. The goal tonight is so typical of him. He just bounces to the puck, says Berglund.
Long-awaited victory
The victory was Leksand’s first in a SC quarter-final in 21 years.
– It’s a good feeling that we can hopefully build on. It will be a tough match series against a good team, says Veronneau.
Frölunda defender Nicklas Lasu thought the match was swinging.
– Lots of chances in both directions. Pretty big chances it feels like. It is clear that it is sour to cod first, but there is another chance in two days, says Lasu.
Two quick goals
There were two goals in the match during regular time and they were scored in the space of three minutes in the second period.
Malte Strömwall made it 1-0 with a delicious performance before Martin Karlsson equalized for Leksand with his first goal of the season.
The next quarter-final will be played in Gothenburg on Sunday.