STOCKHOLM – Niclas Högberg has been named the new head coach for the Swedish women’s national team. Outgoing coach Peter Elander will become the assistant coach for the women’s team at the University of North Dakota (NCAA Division I).

Niclas Högberg, who will join the Swedish women’s program for the 2010-2011 season, previously worked with the women’s U18 national team. Högberg has been signed for three years. Henrik Cedergren, who was the assistant coach for the U18 team, will take over as the head coach of the U18 program.

The hiring of Högberg brings the end of an era in Swedish women’s hockey. Peter Elander steps down after nine years at the helm of the Tre Kronor team. During his tenure, Sweden won the Olympic silver in Turin 2006 and bronze in Salt Lake City in 2002. Elander also led the team to IIHF World Championship bronze in 2005 and 2007. He coached the team in over 200 national team games.