Gustafsson to quit as Sweden hockey coach after season; remains for Vancouver Olympics

Sweden hockey coach to quit after season

STOCKHOLM — Sweden hockey coach Bengt-Ake Gustafsson will quit at the end of the season, but remain for the Vancouver Olympics.

The Swedish Ice Hockey Association announced the move Thursday, saying Par Marts will take over the position on June 1.

Gustafsson led Sweden to the 2006 Olympic and world championship titles, but has come under criticism as his team has had few recent successes. The former NHL player will lead Sweden at next month’s Vancouver Games and the upcoming world championships in Germany.

Gustafsson said he “look forward to returning to coaching a club team.”

Marts has coached Sweden’s junior team for the last three seasons, helping them win silver at the world championships in 2008 and 2009.