"It’s a bit melancholy," said Kenneth Ekman, who played for Tingsryd when Dackehallen first opened in 1969.
The legendary arena closes its doors tonight as Tingsryd AIF plays its final match against Mjölby HC, marking the end of 57 years of hockey history.
The arena, which has served as the home for Tingsryd AIF since its inauguration, is being replaced by a modern facility. While the current rink has been central to the town’s identity, the club is set to transition to the newly constructed Holtab House, according to reports from Hockeysverige.
A history of early challenges
The early days of Dackehallen were defined by logistical struggles. Before the rink was operational, players had to commute to Karlskrona for practices. Even after moving in, the team faced internal infrastructure issues, as the building’s water supply frequently failed to reach the third floor.
"We had to take our equipment bags home, but since we had no water, we couldn’t wash them, so it smelled like hell," Ekman told Hockeysverige. Visitors often had to cover their noses after training sessions, which took place five days a week. Despite these difficulties, the inaugural match on December 14, 1969, saw Tingsryd defeat Leksands IF 5–0, a game Ekman remembers as one of the best he ever witnessed.
Impact on local hockey development
Beyond individual games, the arena played a foundational role in cultivating talent. Ekman credits the facility for enabling the town to host high-level hockey and fostering a pipeline of junior players, including Kjell Samuelsson, Anders Broström, and later, Kevin and Oliver Ekman-Larsson.
The transition to the new facility is not without controversy. Ekman expressed frustration that the club has lost its national intake for the hockey gymnasium, describing the decision as "a slap in the face" to the organization. He said that the ability to attract players from outside the region helped drive the club’s historical success.
Transition to Holtab House
The club will officially relocate to the new venue, Holtab House, with the first match scheduled for December 11 against Halmstad Hammers, Sveriges Radio reported. Kerstin Stenemo, a longtime supporter who has spent nearly six decades in the stands, described the move as a bittersweet moment for the community.
For tonight’s final farewell, a group of veterans from the 1969 era will gather at the arena to mark the occasion. Ekman, who plans to attend, said that the group intends to meet hours before the puck drops to share memories of the building that defined Tingsryd hockey for over half a century.
Holtab House hosts first match on December 11
The first match in the new Holtab House is scheduled for December 11, where Tingsryd AIF will face Halmstad Hammers, according to Sveriges Radio.
Des Moroney was the first goalscorer in the arena during the opening match against Leksands IF on December 14, 1969, Hockeysverige reported.
The club is moving to a modern, newly constructed facility, Holtab House, after 57 years at the current location.
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