IK beat Visby/Roma 6–3 in the season opener. That result will not travel across the Baltic Sea and win Wednesday night's return fixture. This is precisely the kind of match in which we want IK to take control from the opening face-off – and never play as though the three points are already theirs.
Respect the newcomers, but do not fear them
Visby's first HockeyAllsvenskan season has been difficult. They come into this game off 1–0 and 3–1 defeats to Nybro and BIK Karlskoga. But they have also beaten Västerås 4–1 and defeated BIK 4–3 in overtime. That is enough to dismiss any talk of an automatic win.
Malmström showed what is missing
When IK's defensive injuries were at their worst, Anton Malmström arrived on loan from Björklöven. His brief spell brought three wins, a goal and three assists before he was recalled. More importantly, his presence illustrated what this type of defenceman brings: size, experience and composure in possession.
This is not an argument that IK's current defenders are poor. There is plenty of talent and perfectly serviceable second-tier quality here. Yet there is a difference between a promising, competent defensive group and a genuinely strong one. An established two-way player in Malmström's mould could bridge that gap.
Alexander Younan also supplied valuable experience during his short spell. IK announced his departure on 19 October, and on 26 October Aalborg Pirates officially confirmed his arrival in Denmark. That temporary solution is over.
Pontus Näsén is playing and brings experience as he finds his match rhythm. He is primarily an offensive defenceman and offers something different from a two-way player in Malmström's mould.
Ville Jonsson played against Mora last time out, having made his return against MoDo on 21 October.
Can BFS make the rat's nest feel like home?
Visby Ishall has been nicknamed 'the rat's nest' – a term even used affectionately by Visby's coach Hans Särkijärvi. It is hardly a modern, comfortable arena. That may be exactly what makes it an awkward place to visit.
Blue Front Support have said there will be no organised trip during the autumn school holiday, but have shared practical information for independent travellers. We still hope plenty of Oskarshamn supporters make the journey. Imagine IK's supporters turning the old island rink into a temporary home game.
The GLID INTE verdict
This is a game IK must win. But respect for Visby must show in every shift, not merely in pre-match interviews. We want the same work rate as against bigger names, a defensive structure that holds together and an attack that does not get impatient.
Three points is the target. No complacency. And, if possible, a rat's nest that sounds suspiciously like Oskarshamn.
Game: Visby/Roma HK vs IK Oskarshamn, Wednesday 28 October 2026, 19:00 Swedish local time, Visby Ishall.
*Independent GLID INTE supporter analysis. Squad and transfer facts are drawn from IK Oskarshamn, Björklöven and Aalborg Pirates, with match results checked against published game records. The starting goalkeeper, defensive pairs and forward lines have not yet been confirmed here.*