WARSAW – Peter Ekroth, the former Elitserien champion with Södertälje, signed a two-year contract with the Polish Ice Hockey Association (PZHL) to serve as the national team’s head coach.

The Stockholm native, and former “tough guy” of Swedish hockey, has never worked at the national team level before. In April he was released by IK Vita Hästen, a third-tier Swedish club. His big chance came after a recommendation by former Polish NHL star Mariusz Czerkawski, who is currently on the advisory board of the Polish Ice Hockey Association.

Ekroth takes over for Rudolf Rohacek who was Poland's coach for three years but never met the goal of promoting the team to the highest level.

Ekroth started his playing career with Djurgårdens IF. During 1977-1979 he played in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League for the Cornwall Royals and in the Ontario Hockey League for the Windsor Spitfires.

In 1985, he became an Elitserien champion with Södertälje. The following year, he was selected in the NHL Entry Draft by the Detroit Red Wings in the twelfth round, 232nd overall.

After a brief stint with the AHL’s Adirondack Red Wings, he returned to Södertälje. Later he also represented Frölunda Gothenburg, IK Oskarshamn, Ratinger Löwen (Germany), Kalmar HC, Cardiff Devils (Great Britain), Västervik and Häradsbygdens.

As a head coach, he’s worked for Västervik, Vallentuna, London Racers (Great Britain), Olofström, Oskarshamn and recently IK Vita Hästen.

Poland will host the 2009 IIHF World Championship Division I in Torun and will face Italy, Ukraine, Great Britain, the Netherlands and Romania.

PAWEL KUMISZCZE