Enkopings SK vs Hudiksvalls HC on 1 February
The tension is building as two fierce HockeyEttan rivals, Enköpings SK and Hudiksvalls HC, prepare to face off on February 1st, 2026, at the Enköping Arena. This encounter promises to be a crucial one for both teams, with playoff aspirations and momentum on the line. With only a handful of regular-season games remaining, this match could be pivotal in deciding who moves forward with confidence and who is left with regrets. The stakes are high—expect a game full of intensity, tactical intrigue, and physicality on the ice.
Enköpings SK: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Enköpings SK enters this matchup with a solid, if inconsistent, recent run of form. In their last five games, they have posted a record of 2-3, which has left them fighting to maintain a place in the top half of the table. Their style of play is heavily reliant on physicality and a strong forecheck, aiming to disrupt Hudiksvalls HC’s buildup and capitalize on turnovers in the neutral zone. This aggressive forechecking approach allows Enköpings to win puck battles along the boards and force the opposition into mistakes, leading to fast-break opportunities.
Enköpings SK is strong in their defensive zone, with a solid penalty kill rate of 85%—one of the best in the league. However, their power play has been more erratic, converting at only 16%, leaving them with a need to capitalize on every man-advantage opportunity they get. Their average shots per game are also slightly below the league average (around 28 per game), which highlights their struggles in creating sustained offensive pressure. This may be something they look to address in this game by pressuring Hudiksvalls into quick turnovers and taking advantage of their speed on the counter.
Key players include forward Viktor Nyström, who has been in excellent form lately with 5 points in the last 5 games. His ability to control the puck in tight spaces and finish on breakaways will be a crucial factor. Enköpings will also rely on their veteran defenseman, Linus Gustavsson, to anchor their blue line and clear the zone under pressure. However, their top goalie, Oscar Jönsson, has been dealing with a minor injury and may be a game-time decision. If Jönsson is unavailable, backup Erik Nordin will need to step up in a high-pressure environment.
Hudiksvalls HC: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Hudiksvalls HC, on the other hand, comes into this game in solid form, posting a 3-2 record in their last five. They’ve proven themselves capable of both fast-paced and controlled, patient play, with a balanced approach to offense and defense. The team prefers a more fluid puck movement, focusing on setting up plays from the neutral zone and entering the offensive zone with speed. They rely on a combination of quick passes and cycling the puck in the offensive zone to wear down the opposition. They are averaging 32 shots per game, significantly higher than Enköpings’ output, which speaks to their ability to generate consistent scoring opportunities.
Hudiksvalls HC’s power play efficiency is a standout statistic, sitting at 21%—ranked in the upper tier of HockeyEttan. This could be a critical factor against Enköpings SK, who will need to improve their penalty kill if they want to keep the game even. Their penalty kill is average, with an 80% efficiency rate, which could be tested against Hudiksvalls’ dynamic power-play units. Their defensive system, while solid, can sometimes leave them vulnerable to counterattacks, a flaw Enköpings could exploit.
The form of Hudiksvalls HC's top scorer, Jakob Holm, will be critical. Holm has amassed 6 points in the last five games, and his ability to create space and finish scoring chances will be a determining factor in breaking Enköpings’ defensive structure. On the back end, defender Emil Andersson is another key figure, known for his precise passing and solid defensive coverage. Goaltender Daniel Jonsson has been a stabilizing force in net, with a .915 save percentage, and he will need to remain sharp if Hudiksvalls HC is to secure the two points.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
The recent head-to-head encounters between these two sides have been tightly contested. In the last five matchups, Hudiksvalls HC holds a slight edge, winning 3 out of 5 games, but the last encounter in December 2025 ended in a 4-4 draw after a tense overtime period. One key theme in these games has been the physicality; Enköpings SK often sets the tone early, while Hudiksvalls has responded by controlling possession and staying disciplined in their defensive zone. If past encounters are anything to go by, we can expect another clash marked by high intensity, with both teams looking to impose their game plan early.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
One of the most crucial positional battles will be between the goaltenders. Oscar Jönsson (if healthy) or Erik Nordin will face off against Daniel Jonsson in what promises to be a clash of two well-respected netminders. The goaltending battle will have a significant impact on the final result, as both teams generate enough shots to put constant pressure on the crease.
Another key battle will be along the boards, where Enköpings SK’s forecheck will come up against Hudiksvalls HC’s puck-moving defensemen. If Enköpings can win the physical battle in the corners and along the walls, they will force Hudiksvalls into mistakes and limit their ability to break out of their own zone. Conversely, Hudiksvalls’ defensemen must remain composed and make quick decisions under pressure to avoid turnovers in dangerous areas.
The special teams battle will also be pivotal, with Enköpings SK needing to improve their power play efficiency and Hudiksvalls HC looking to capitalize on their strong power play. The team that performs better in this area will likely gain the upper hand in a game that promises to be tight and full of momentum shifts.
Match Scenario and Prediction
In a game as evenly matched as this, the most likely scenario is one of tight defense and controlled tempo. Enköpings will likely try to establish an early forecheck and put pressure on Hudiksvalls HC’s defensemen, hoping to create turnovers and capitalize on quick transition opportunities. Hudiksvalls HC will aim to weather the storm early and use their superior puck movement to control possession and create high-quality shots on goal.
With both teams vying for playoff positions, expect the game to remain close throughout. However, Hudiksvalls HC’s slightly higher offensive output and more consistent special teams play could tilt the game in their favor. A 3-2 victory for Hudiksvalls HC seems a plausible outcome, with key moments likely coming on the power play and in net. If Enköpings SK fails to capitalize on their man-advantages or struggles to break through Hudiksvalls' defense, they may find themselves on the losing end once again.
Final Thoughts
The outcome of this match will come down to who can dictate the tempo and execute their game plan under pressure. Will Enköpings SK’s physical play overwhelm Hudiksvalls HC, or will Hudiksvalls’ skill and special teams execution prove decisive? Both teams have shown their strengths and weaknesses this season, but on the night, it may come down to a few key moments and individual performances. One thing is for sure—this matchup is sure to leave fans on the edge of their seats.
Which team will hold their nerve when it matters most? That’s the question that will define this exciting clash.
