Calle Gunnarsson, who stepped in as assistant coach for Örebro Hockey in February 2026, has reportedly declined to continue in the role despite his successful stint with the team. According to sources, Gunnarsson cited family commitments as his primary reason for stepping back.
Gunnarsson, who replaced Tobias Thermell as assistant coach, helped transform Örebro's defensive performance during his time with the team. Statistics reportedly showed significant improvement, with the team reducing goals allowed from 2.53 to 1.53 per match and becoming one of the league's best defensive units.
If it were only up to me, but I have another team to consider. And they are more important to me.
Despite the success and being offered a continuation, Gunnarsson told Nerikes Allehanda: 'If it were only up to me, but I have another team to consider. And they are more important to me.' He referred to his family team consisting of his wife Josefin Gollner Gunnarsson and their two children: nine-year-old Elise and six-year-old Otis.
In a statement to Hockeysverige, Gunnarsson elaborated on his decision: 'I have thought about it, and come to the conclusion that I don't want to be away as much as required from my family. I don't want to miss my children's upbringing, holidays, and weekends. I've had a playing career where most things were about me, now it's no longer me who comes first.'
I have thought about it, and come to the conclusion that I don't want to be away as much as required from my family. I don't want to miss my children's upbringing, holidays, and weekends. I've had a playing career where most things were about me, now it's no longer me who comes first.
Örebro's sports director Henrik Löwdahl expressed disappointment but respect for the decision, telling Nerikes Allehanda: 'It's a shame it won't be a continuation.' Gunnarsson will reportedly return to his previous role as development manager with Örebro Hockey.
It's a shame it won't be a continuation.