HV71 has extended the contract of head coach Thomas Pettersen until 2028, the club confirmed. Pettersen is preparing for his third season with the Jönköping club. Pettersen, who is entering his third season with HV71, will continue leading the team after a period where the club secured its SDHL contract following a turbulent season.
The specific sporting challenges faced during that turbulent season have not been detailed publicly. Club sports director Alexander Hanning acknowledged the recent difficulties in a statement, paraphrasing that during Pettersen's first two years, he helped lay a foundation amid sporting challenges, and while not satisfied with the current standing, the club is confident in the direction and work being done. Pettersen expressed optimism about the future, paraphrasing that he looks forward to continuing the journey to develop what has been started and take the next step, with important work ahead and faith in the future to tackle challenges and build something strong for the club.
During his first two years, Thomas has been involved in laying a foundation in a period where we have had sporting challenges, and we are not satisfied with where we stand today – but we are confident in the direction and in the work being done.
The terms or financial details of the contract extension have not been disclosed, and the specific goals or targets for HV71 under Pettersen's leadership until 2028 remain unspecified.