Buffalo 2015: Norway preview

18.04.2015

What you need to know about Norway prior to the 2015 IPC Ice Sledge Hockey World Championships A-Pool.

NOR vs. SWE Norweigen player Rolf Einar Pedersen defends puck against two Sweedish players © • Lieven Coudenys

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NOR vs. SWE Norweigen player Rolf Einar Pedersen defends puck against two Sweedish players © • Lieven Coudenys

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Outlook

After missing out on the Paralympic Winter Games podium at Sochi 2014 for the first time since 1994, Norway have made changes to their coaching staff in an attempt to blow away the cobwebs at the 2015 IPC Ice Sledge Hockey World Championships A-Pool in Buffalo, New York, USA.

They now count former ice hockey player, Ole Eskild Dahlstrom, and former ice sledge hockey player, Tommy Rovelstad, as part of their assistant coaching team, led by Espen Hegde as the new Head Coach. Hegde, formerly an assistant coach, takes over the reins from well-respected Morten Haglund.

Norway are looking towards Dahlstrom, Rovelstad and Hegde to provide a new perspective on the ice, coupled with experienced hands such as legendary forward Rolf Pedersen, to take them into a new era.

The Norwegians finished fifth at the 2013 IPC Ice Sledge Hockey World Championships in Goyang, South Korea, beating Italy 2-1 in a penalty shoot-out.

Key players

Rolf Pedersen (forward), Morten Vaernes (forward)

Head coach

Espen Hegde

IPC Ice Sledge Hockey World Championships A-Pool medals

Gold (2004); Silver (1996, 2000, 2008, 2009)

Paralympic medals

Gold (1998); Silver (1994, 2002, 2006); Bronze (2010)

Team roster

Johansen, Roger (G)

Pedersen, Rolf Einar (F)