Next season goes without head coach Espen Knutsen for the Vålerenga ice hockey team. He did not want to extend with the Oslo club.

“Espen Knutsen has informed the club board that he does not wish to extend his agreement with Vlerenga Ice Hockey. And with that, one of the club’s greatest legends thanks himself”, the club informed in a statement. pers conference.

Knutsen was head coach for ten seasons from 2006. After that he was assistant for four years with Roy Johansen. He started the 2021/22 season as assistant to Kenneth Larsen before taking over as head coach at the end of November.

– After so many years in Vålerenga, it is now good for both sides to take a break from each other. “I’ve had a fantastic few years at the club and of course wish the players and the whole apparatus around good luck,” said Knutsen.

Thank you for your support

– My son plays hockey for Vlerenga, so I will keep watching Jordal regularly. “I also want to thank our supporters for the support they have given the team both in success and in adversity – it always means a tremendous amount for us,” he added.

Knutsen played 177 league games for Vlerenga. He scored 137 goals and 131 assists.

Vlerenga reached the NC quarter-finals after losing to Storhamar in late March.

More changes

Sporting director Frikk Juell has also resigned. Thus, the club must look for two new roles ahead of next season.

– We have tried several rounds to get Frikk to continue as sport manager with us and find it very unfortunate that he wants to seek a new challenge outside of Vålerenga, said chairman Arnold Nybo.

VIF restarted training after Easter.