STOCKHOLM – The Danish Ice Hockey Association named Per Backman the new head coach of its men’s national team. Last season, the 58-year-old Swede was the head coach of Frolunda Indians in the Swedish Elitserien, until he was fired halfway through the season. At the time, Frolunda was in fifth-place in the standings.

He previously coached Farjestad, AIK, Malmo, and Modo in the Swedish Elitserien, and Zug in the Swiss A League. He has three Swedish championship titles under his belt, two with Farjestad, one with AIK, as well as two silver medals with Modo. 

Through the years, Backman has been known as a tougher guy, which is quite a change from the soft-spoken Mike Sirant, who was Denmark’s head coach at the World Championship in Quebec City last May.

Bäckman’s first task is to qualify Denmark for the 2010 Olympics, which would be the first Olympic appearance for Denmark.