Paragraph 1: The Unexpected Return of a Seasoned Coach
Roger Melin, a veteran of Swedish ice hockey coaching, finds himself back behind the bench, a scenario he hadn’t anticipated. At 68, Melin believed his coaching days were over, having last coached AIK in the spring of 2020. He had even discarded his skates, symbolizing his retirement from the sport. AIK’s recent struggles, however, including an eleven-game winless streak, prompted the dismissal of coach Markus Åkerblom and a surprising call to Melin. This marks Melin’s fourth stint as head coach for AIK, a testament to his enduring connection with the Stockholm club.
Paragraph 2: From Golf Course to Hockey Rink
Melin’s return to coaching was as unexpected as it was swift. While on a golf trip in Spain, he received a call from AIK’s CEO, Stefan "Myran" Gustafsson. Initially, Melin dismissed the idea, believing it to be a joke. He couldn’t fathom how he could contribute, feeling his time had passed. However, Gustafsson’s persistence, with multiple calls over several days, piqued Melin’s interest. The conversations rekindled a spark, transforming his initial skepticism into excitement. Within just four calls, spanning two days, Melin agreed to take the helm, cutting short his golfing holiday to return to the ice.
Paragraph 3: A Familiar Setting, Renewed Passion
Despite his initial reservations, Melin quickly reacclimated to the coaching environment. Returning to familiar locker rooms and surroundings, he felt instantly at home, easing the transition back into the demanding role. The rapid immersion re-ignited his passion for the game, a feeling he hadn’t anticipated. The once-retired coach rediscovered a youthful enthusiasm, replacing his previous sense of satiation with a renewed vigor. He admits to being surprised by the intensity of these feelings, given his prior belief that his coaching days were definitively behind him.
Paragraph 4: A Coach’s Self-Doubt and AIK’s Faith
Melin’s humility shines through his self-assessment. He openly questions his ability to make a significant impact, wondering if he can offer anything more than another coach. He acknowledges his vast experience but remains unsure of its current relevance. When asked why AIK specifically sought him out, he humbly speculates that his past successes with the club likely played a role. He readily admits that just a week prior, the prospect of coaching again would have been unthinkable. AIK, however, clearly saw value in his experience and leadership.
Paragraph 5: Back in Action, Facing New Challenges
Melin’s return has been a whirlwind. After a single practice session with his new team, he immediately faced two back-to-back games. His premiere resulted in a 4-3 overtime loss to Mora, followed by a 3-2 victory against Kalmar. The quick turnaround underscores the urgency of AIK’s situation and the immediate demands placed upon Melin. Adding a touch of irony to his return, Melin had to borrow skates for his first practices, having discarded his own upon retirement. The club is now actively searching for a suitable pair for their returning coach.
Paragraph 6: Embracing the Unexpected Journey
Melin’s unexpected comeback has been met with a mix of self-doubt, renewed passion, and a touch of humor. While uncertain of his potential impact, he embraces the challenge with a surprising sense of rejuvenation. The rapid transition from golf course to coaching bench, the need for borrowed skates, and the immediate pressure of competition all contribute to the unique narrative of his fourth tenure with AIK. He’s embraced the unexpected, rekindling his coaching spark, and embarking on a new chapter in his long and storied career. An upcoming derby against Djurgården adds another layer of intrigue to Melin’s return, providing a high-profile test of his ability to revitalize the struggling AIK squad.
