After Thursday's 6-1 win over the Gap Rapaces, Linkoping HC's Mathis Olimb spoke about his new team's performance, and the injury to his brother Ken Andre.

by Julia Bjers

LINKOPING – Mathis Olimb was the Champions Hockey League's Top Scorer and Most Valuable Player in the 2014-15, when his Frolunda Gothenburg team made it to the CHL Final. After a year split between the KHL and Swiss NLA, the 30-year-old Norwegian centre is now back in Sweden, where he hopes his new team, Linkoping HC, will have similar success – maybe even more. 

So far, so good, as the team has just finished the group stage with four wins in regulation time. In the last game, a 6-1 win against the Gap Rapaces, Olimb had two goals and one assist, including a spectacular highlight-reel goal in the second period.

Mathis, what did you think about the game today? 

“I thought we had good pressure all game and we played well. We were a bit sloppy in out own zone and gave them a goal in the first period, but overall we did good.” 

What happened the second period? You suddenly scored five goals? 

“It just proves that we worked really hard the first period and eventually they couldn't keep up.”

How do you feel about the future and the CHL playoffs?

“I haven’t really spent time considering the playoffs or what teams we will play against, but I hope we will meet a team from Norway, if any of them reach the playoffs.” 

Your brother Ken Andre Olimb is currently injured. How does that affect you? 

“I think its very unfortunate both for me and for Linkoping – it's a huge loss for the entire team and we miss him very much.” 

How do you feel about playing together with your brother?

“We have had loads of fun. We play good hockey and have very good chemistry, so it feels very empty now, playing without him.”