Anders Carlsson joins HIFK Helsinki coaching staff

Swedish ice‑hockey legend Anders "Masken" Carlsson, 65, has been appointed to the coaching team of Finland's HIFK Helsinki. Carlsson brings more than a decade of experience at the top level of Swedish hockey, a former NHL playing career with the New Jersey Devils, and a ten‑year stint scouting for the Colorado Avalanche. He most recently coached Brynäs IF from 2023 to 2026 and has held senior roles with Leksands IF and Rögle BK.

HIFK announced that Carlsson will work alongside head coach Olli Jokinen, with the club’s sports director Janne Laukkanen saying the hire provides "valuable insight and expertise" for player development and team culture. Carlsson echoed the sentiment, noting that "Olli is the boss" and that their collaboration will help the Helsinki team "get the most out of the squad".

The move is seen as a boost to HIFK’s ambitions for the 2026‑27 season, adding international experience to the club’s daily operations and player training programmes.