KEMPEHALLEN: ICON OF SWEDISH HOCKEY HISTORY
Kempehallen was one of Sweden’s most iconic ice hockey arenas – the home of Modo Hockey from 1964 to 2006 and the birthplace of some of the greatest NHL talents the country has ever produced, including Daniel and Henrik Sedin. Located in Örnsköldsvik in northern Sweden, the arena stood for nearly five decades before structural failure led to its demolition in August 2012. Today, the legacy of Kempehallen lives on – in the careers of the legends it shaped, and in the new multi-sport hall currently under construction on the very same grounds, set to open in summer 2027.
Disclaimer
IS KEMPEHALLEN STILL OPEN?
Kempehallen is no longer standing. On 15 June 2012, Örnsköldsvik Municipality condemned the arena due to critical structural failure in the dome. The building was demolished in August 2012. Modo Hockey had already moved to the new Hägglunds Arena (later known as Fjällräven Center) in 2006, and Kempehallen spent its final years serving youth teams and local clubs. However, the story does not end there – Örnsköldsvik Municipality is currently building a brand new multi-sport hall on the exact same grounds, Kempevallen in Hörnett, with an expected opening in summer 2027.
WHERE IS KEMPEHALLEN LOCATED?
Kempehallen was located in the Hörnett district of Örnsköldsvik, a coastal town in Västernorrland County, northern Sweden. The arena stood at Kempevallen, a sports grounds area that also houses Modohallen, a smaller ice hockey facility still in use today for youth hockey. The site is approximately 800 metres from Örnsköldsvik city centre. While Kempehallen itself no longer exists, the grounds remain an active sports area – and will be home to a new multi-sport hall opening in summer 2027.
DID THE SEDIN TWINS PLAY AT KEMPEHALLEN?
Yes. Daniel Sedin (jersey #22) and Henrik Sedin (jersey #33) both began their professional ice hockey careers at Kempehallen, playing for Modo Hockey in the Swedish Hockey League. Born and raised in Örnsköldsvik, the identical twins were drafted by the Vancouver Canucks in 1999 – Henrik as the 2nd overall pick and Daniel as the 3rd overall pick. They went on to play 17 seasons together in the NHL, both surpassing 1,000 career points. In 2020, their jerseys were retired at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, and in 2022 they were inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Kempehallen is where it all began.
FOUNDER AND KEY FIGURES
Kempehallen is owned and managed by Örnsköldsvik Municipality, ensuring that the venue meets the local community’s needs and maintains its historical legacy.
HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT
Kempehallen opened as an outdoor rink in 1939 and had artificial ice installed in 1958. It was rebuilt into a fully indoor arena and officially inaugurated on 4 October 1964 with an ice hockey match between Modo AIK and Brynäs IF. The arena originally had a standing capacity of 10,000, later reduced to 6,700 when approximately 2,000 seats were installed in 1969. The all-time attendance record was set in February 1965, when roughly 9,900 spectators watched Sweden face Canada.
In 1995, the arena underwent a major renovation, adding luxury boxes and modernising facilities. Kempehallen served as the home of Modo Hockey for over four decades and hosted the 2004 IPC Ice Sledge Hockey World Championships, as well as notable concerts including Motörhead and Europe.
When the new Hägglunds Arena (originally named Swedbank Arena) opened in August 2006, Modo Hockey relocated to the modern facility. Kempehallen continued to serve the club’s youth teams and local clubs until 15 June 2012, when Örnsköldsvik Municipality condemned the building due to critical structural failure in the dome. The arena was demolished in August 2012.
Today, Örnsköldsvik Municipality is constructing a new multi-sport hall on the same grounds – Kempevallen in Hörnett – with an expected opening in summer 2027.
LOCATION AND ACCESSIBILITY
Kempehallen was situated in the Hörnett district of Örnsköldsvik, approximately 800 metres from the city centre, near the town harbour. The site – known as Kempevallen – remains an active sports area today. Örnsköldsvik is accessible by train from Stockholm (approximately 5 hours) and Sundsvall (approximately 1.5 hours), and by bus via the regional E4 corridor. The nearest airport is Örnsköldsvik Airport (OER), with daily connections to Stockholm Arlanda. For those visiting the area to explore the town’s hockey heritage, Hägglunds Arena (Fjällräven Center) is located approximately 1.5 kilometres from the former Kempehallen site.
ARCHITECTURE AND FACILITIES
Kempehallen was inaugurated in its fully indoor form on 4 October 1964. The arena was characterised by a large dome structure that became a recognisable feature of the Örnsköldsvik skyline. It originally held up to 10,000 standing spectators, later reconfigured to approximately 6,700 with the installation of seats in 1969. A major renovation in 1995 added luxury boxes and modernised the facilities. The arena’s dome – which made it distinctive – ultimately proved to be its downfall, as structural cracks led to its condemnation in June 2012. The building was demolished two months later in August 2012.
VISITOR INFORMATION
Kempehallen no longer exists as a physical venue and cannot be visited. The arena was demolished in August 2012. For those interested in visiting Örnsköldsvik and experiencing the town’s remarkable hockey heritage, Hägglunds Arena (Fjällräven Center) is the current home of Modo Hockey and hosts regular SHL matches throughout the season. The arena is located at Viktoriaesplanaden 1, 891 39 Örnsköldsvik, and is well served by local public transport. For tickets and event information, visit the official Modo Hockey website at modohockey.se.
DATA INSIGHTS AND POPULARITY
Interest in Kempehallen remains strong, particularly among hockey enthusiasts. Modo Hockey’s legacy and the stadium’s role in nurturing talents like the Sedin twins contribute to its enduring popularity. Compared to other Swedish stadiums, Kempehallen holds its own due to its historical significance.
CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE AND COMMUNITY IMPACT
Kempehallen is more than just a sports venue; it’s a cultural hub that reflects the passion and dedication of Örnsköldsvik’s hockey community. The rivalry between Modo Hockey and other teams adds an exciting dimension to its events. Its role in the community extends beyond sports, serving as a venue for various local events.
FACT SECTION
- Capacity: 5,114 seats (final years)
- Year opened: 4 October 1964
- Year closed: June 2012
- Year demolished: August 2012
- Original capacity: 10,000 (standing only)
- Home team: Modo Hockey (1964–2006)
- Owner: Örnsköldsvik Municipality
- Location: Kempevallen, Hörnett, Örnsköldsvik, Sweden
- Notable events: 2004 IPC Ice Sledge Hockey World Championships
- Notable concerts: Motörhead, Europe
- Replaced by: Hägglunds Arena (2006), now known as Fjällräven Center
- Future: New multi-sport hall under construction on same grounds, opening summer 2027
STADIUMINSIGHT RATING (4–5 STARS)
Kempehallen earns a 5-star historical rating. As the arena that shaped Daniel and Henrik Sedin, Peter Forsberg, Markus Naslund, and Victor Hedman, its contribution to Swedish and international hockey is unmatched relative to its size. While the physical building no longer stands, its legacy as one of Scandinavia’s most important hockey venues is permanent. For visitors to Örnsköldsvik, the town itself remains a living monument to the sport.
NICE TO KNOW
- Kempehallen was one of the first fully indoor ice hockey arenas built in Sweden.
- The arena was named after local industrialist Frans Kempe, a key figure in Örnsköldsvik’s industrial history.
- The all-time attendance record was set in February 1965, when roughly 9,900 spectators watched Sweden vs. Canada.
- Daniel and Henrik Sedin – both Hockey Hall of Famers – began their careers at Kempehallen with Modo Hockey.
- Kempehallen hosted the 2004 IPC Ice Sledge Hockey World Championships.
- The arena was condemned in June 2012 due to structural failure in the dome and demolished two months later.
- A new multi-sport hall is currently under construction on the same grounds, set to open in summer 2027.
SOURCE REFERENCES
- Wikipedia
- Official Modo Hockey website
- Örnsköldsvik Municipality website
- Swedish Tourist Board
- Semrush
Official stadium location
Modovägen, 891 30 Örnsköldsvik, Sweden
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ÖRNSKÖLDSVIK: THE WORLD’S GREATEST HOCKEY FACTORY
Few towns in the world have produced as much elite hockey talent as Örnsköldsvik – a coastal industrial town in Västernorrland County, northern Sweden, with a population of just under 30,000. By any statistical measure, Örnsköldsvik is the most prolific producer of NHL talent per capita on the planet, and Kempehallen was the arena at the centre of it all.
The town’s hockey culture is deeply rooted in Modo Hockey, the local club founded in 1921. For decades, Modo served as a development pipeline that took raw talent from the frozen outdoor rinks of Örnsköldsvik and forged it into world-class hockey players. Other Swedish hockey arenas, such as Tegera Arena in Leksand, continue to carry the torch of Swedish SHL hockey that clubs like Modo Hockey helped build. The formula was simple but effective: a tight-knit community, a fierce local pride, and an arena – Kempehallen – where the standards were set high from an early age.
The NHL legends from Örnsköldsvik
The list of NHL players born or raised in Örnsköldsvik reads like a Hall of Fame induction ceremony:
Peter Forsberg – widely regarded as one of the greatest hockey players of all time, Forsberg grew up in Örnsköldsvik and played for Modo Hockey before being drafted 6th overall by the Quebec Nordiques in 1991. He won two Stanley Cups, two Olympic gold medals, and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2012.
Markus Naslund – captain of the Vancouver Canucks for seven seasons and a three-time NHL All-Star, Naslund was also a Modo Hockey product and a close friend and teammate of the Sedin twins in Vancouver.
Daniel and Henrik Sedin – the twin brothers who defined an era of Vancouver Canucks hockey. Both surpassed 1,000 NHL career points, both had their jerseys retired at Rogers Arena, and both were inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2022. They started at Kempehallen.
Victor Hedman – the Tampa Bay Lightning defenceman and 2018 Norris Trophy winner (best defenceman in the NHL) also grew up in Örnsköldsvik and played for Modo Hockey’s youth programme. He was drafted 2nd overall in 2009 and has won two Stanley Cups.
These are not coincidences. They are the product of a hockey culture so deeply embedded in the fabric of Örnsköldsvik that the town has become a pilgrimage site for hockey historians and fans worldwide.
Why Örnsköldsvik produces champions
Sports journalists and researchers have repeatedly tried to explain the phenomenon. The New York Times sent a reporter to Örnsköldsvik in 2019 to investigate. Sportsnet called it “Sweden’s tiny hockey factory.” The Globe and Mail described it as “Sweden’s hockey hotbed.”
The explanations vary – the long, cold winters that make outdoor skating a natural part of childhood; the fierce local competition within Modo Hockey’s youth programme; the role of the school-based hockey gymnasium that allowed young players to combine elite training with education; and the culture of mentorship, where older players actively guided younger ones.
But at the physical centre of all of it, for nearly five decades, was Kempehallen. It was the arena where Örnsköldsvik’s hockey identity was forged, where records were set, where a generation of future NHL stars first felt the weight of a crowd behind them.
Kempehallen’s place in hockey history
When Kempehallen was demolished in 2012, Örnsköldsvik lost a building – but not its identity. The town’s hockey culture continues through Hägglunds Arena, through Modo Hockey’s ongoing presence in the Swedish Hockey League, and through the new generation of players coming through the same youth system that produced Forsberg, the Sedins, Naslund, and Hedman.
And on the very grounds where Kempehallen once stood – Kempevallen in Hörnett – a new multi-sport hall is currently under construction, scheduled to open in summer 2027. The legacy of Kempehallen is not just preserved in memory. It is being built upon
FAQ – KEMPEHALLEN
Is Kempehallen currently open to the public?
No. Kempehallen was condemned by Örnsköldsvik Municipality on 15 June 2012 due to structural failure in the dome and was demolished in August 2012. The arena no longer exists. However, a new multi-sport hall is currently under construction on the same grounds at Kempevallen in Hörnett, with an expected opening in summer 2027.
What is the significance of Kempehallen's location in Örnsköldsvik?
Kempehallen is strategically located in the heart of Örnsköldsvik, a picturesque town in northern Sweden. Its central location makes it very accessible to both locals and visitors who are eager to attend games or events. The venue is well-served by public transportation, including buses and trains that connect to other major cities in Sweden. For those who prefer driving, there is ample parking available, making it convenient for everyone to reach the stadium.
Did the Sedin twins play at Kempehallen during their early careers?
Yes, the Sedin twins, who are renowned NHL players, began their illustrious hockey careers at Kempehallen. Growing up in Örnsköldsvik, they played for Modo Hockey, using the arena as their training ground. This early experience was pivotal in their development as elite hockey players. The success of the Sedin twins has contributed to Kempehallen’s reputation as a breeding ground for exceptional hockey talent and has inspired many young athletes in the region.
What are some historical milestones of Kempehallen?
Kempehallen was constructed in 1964 and quickly became the home base for Modo Hockey. The arena was designed to host major ice hockey events, and over the years, it has undergone several renovations to modernize its facilities. Notable updates include a major renovation in 1996, which enhanced the arena’s amenities. Kempehallen has hosted numerous significant matches, including international tournaments, drawing attention to Swedish hockey and enhancing its historical importance.
Where is Kempehallen located?
Kempehallen was located at Kempevallen in the Hörnett district of Örnsköldsvik, Västernorrland County, northern Sweden – approximately 800 metres from the city centre. The site remains an active sports area and is currently home to the construction of a new multi-sport hall opening in 2027.
Did the Sedin twins play at Kempehallen?
Yes. Daniel Sedin (#22) and Henrik Sedin (#33) both began their professional careers at Kempehallen playing for Modo Hockey. The twins were drafted by the Vancouver Canucks in 1999 – Henrik 2nd overall, Daniel 3rd overall. Both surpassed 1,000 NHL career points, had their jerseys retired at Rogers Arena in Vancouver in 2020, and were inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2022.
