Swedish ice hockey player and coach
Ice hockey player
Karl-Gustav Fredrik Olausson (born October 5, 1966) is a Swedish former ice hockey player from Nybro who is currently assistant coach for HV71 in Elitserien.[1] He had previously played 17 seasons in the NHL and another 6 in Sweden.
He was a member of the 2002 Stanley Cup champion Detroit Red Wings.
Career
Olausson played with certainty and calmness, and was known for a good feel for the game. He represented Sweden for the first time on February 9, 1986, against the Soviets in Stockholm. He has won the Stanley Cup with the Detroit Red Wings in 2002, and played in the Stanley Cup finals in 2003 with Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.
Olausson was drafted in the 1985 NHL Entry Draft by Winnipeg Jets, with the 81st overall selection. During his career in NHL he has played for Winnipeg Jets, Edmonton Oilers, Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Detroit Red Wings.
During Elitserien playoffs in 2006, Olausson suffered a knee injury (torn ligament) in the third quarterfinal game with HV71 against Mora IK. He was able to continue play, although sparingly, in the playoffs using a specially designed knee protection.
After the season, Olausson moved back to Karlstad and in July 2006 he signed a one-year-contract with Färjestads BK, the same club that he played with between 1984 and 1986, before signing with the Jets. Unfortunately, it was reported on February 27, 2007, that Olausson would have to retire due to serious illness (primary sclerosing cholangitis). In December 2006, he reportedly underwent two surgeries and received a liver transplant in the summer of 2007.
He was named assistant coach of HV71 of the Swedish Elite League for the 2009–10 season.
Sweden