On the Solna Sunset

The demise of AIK is continuing, now more apparent on the rink as well as through the news coming from the boardroom. Leksand is hosting the club tonight and it is not unlikely we will see them cash in their third consecutive loss. The recent results mean they find themselves dragged into the battle to avoid the play off games to qualify for Kvalserien. With Malmö showing superb form - 8 straight wins recorded - and both Växjö Lakers and Almtuna breathing down their necks, AIK will have to regain their composure to ensure an automatic qualification spot.

False advertising - it's always cloudy in Solna

Personally I think they will struggle. It must be hard to play in the environment created by the off-ice issues at the club. When the board states the club is unlikely to survive unless they are allowed to play in KHL next season, there are more then a few implications for the players. If you're not even good enough to play in the Swedish top league, how could you cut it in KHL? If the club is denied the move, you're most likely either having you pay cut and/or having to find yourself a new club. Talk about job-satisfaction being on an all-time high!

On top of this, you have the continuing problem of empty seats at their home games. Over the last few games, the average attendance has dropped to under 2000. This is of course not only adding to the already severe economical problems, but obviously unhelpful for the players. Are the fans already looking east, or have they just given up? This is a major problem for the club, and has been for some years. With people going to the games, sponsors would be happy to splash the money and AIK would arguably not be in the position they find themselves today. 

It is truly a sad statement made by the fans [sic.] as you see their football team playing a pre-pre season friendly in front of almost 4000. Outside. In early February. Winter. This, while the hockey section is struggling for survival.

Fuck me!