Elitserien to get NHL sized rinks?

The Swedish Hockey League and the directors of the top clubs in Sweden yesterday discussed the possibility of changing the rink size from the current Olympic size (30m x 60m) to NHL sized rinks (26m x 61m). There has been sporadic calls for this for a long time, and they are now taking it up for debate and looking at the costs involved in changing the rinks. They are also keeping the option open of having an in-between sized rink of 28m x 60m that (as far as I'm aware) is used by some teams in Finland.

This is a reaction of the dropping popularity of Elitserien, the top Swedish league (also known as SEL). I assume the hockey league are desperate to get people back into the arenas and have now listened to the people who advocate the NHL sized rink as the solution to all the ills and problems of man-kind. From personal experience I think it is generally the sports fans who prefer to watch hockey from the comfort of their armchair who are the most vocal supporters of this. The have watched a few NHL games and are astonished with the speed in which the games are played. Of course, as armchair supporters that tend to watch the Stanley Cup semis or the final games when teams are giving it their all. Personally I am not a great fan of NHL - mainly due to the style of play which is forced due to the smaller rink. Dump'n'Chase is not my idea of entertainment. Nor is eating popcorn while watching a game.

Another important aspect they forget when considering this is the quality of the players. SEL is in all respects, a reasonable league, but in comparison to any NHL team, they are mediocre at best. Watching mediocre ice hockey on a small rink leaves you with Dump'n'Chase without the Chase. What's the point? Especially as in the Swedish hockey of today, you're hardly allowed to tackle anyone.

For me, it would diminish the important tactical aspects of the game. With the bigger rink size you have an awful lot more space to direct the play, smaller sized rinks mean there will be very few players who can/will be allowed to hold the puck for long enough to create play. NHL today seems to me to be one or possibly two passes before shooting the puck. The initial shot rarely goes in, but if the gods are smiling at you, the 'keeper will leave a rebound which might be converted. Correct me if I'm wrong

Can't do it, Guv. My Zamboni is way too big!

Even more importantly, would the SEL go through with this, it would most certainly put up another obstacle for and team to get promoted from Hockeyallsvenskan (HA). The cost of converting your rink size would not be a small one. Today you have Leksand and possibly Malmö (with the help of Percy Nilsson) who could afford this.

In fact, I believe they are looking in the wrong direction if they want to create more interest in SEL. Extend the league to 14 teams who play eachother four times in a season. One automatic relegation place, SEL 8-13 play with HA 2-5 in Kvalserien. Make every game count and you'll get people back in the seats. Simple!