BUFFALO – Goaltender Lovisa “Lollo” Berndtsson has re-signed with the Beauts on a 1-year contract for the 2022-23 PHF season. The 33-year-old netminder returns to the club for her second straight season. She saw action in seven of Buffalo’s 20 games this past season.
“I really enjoyed my first season in Buffalo with the team, our staff, and everybody around us, ” said Berndtsson. “Last season I came back from double hip surgery and my off-season was pretty short. Therefore, I feel like I want to give myself a fair chance with a full off-season and one season already behind me in the PHF. And of course, I want the Beauts to win the Isobel Cup!”
In her PHF debut against the Connecticut Whale on Dec. 19, 2021, Berndtsson turned aside 40 of the 43 shots she faced in a Beauts 3-1 loss. She would end up making 145 saves from the 166 shots she faced in her seven games. Berndtsson finished the 2021-22 season with a .886 save percentage and a 4.36 goals-against average. Arguably her finest performance came during a 1-0 road game loss to the eventual Isobel Champion Boston Pride when she allowed just the one goal and turned aside 39 shots.
“We are very excited to have Lollo back,” said Beauts head coach Rhea Coad. “She contributes not only her stellar goalie skills, but her accomplished pro career is highly valued. Lollo ’s dedication makes her a lovable teammate and a key ingredient to our success. ”
Berntdsson has played at the professional level for 15 seasons, primarily for Djurgårdens IF in Sweden’s SDHL. She backstopped Djurgårdens to the SDHL’s championship title during the 2016-17 season. Her career regular-season record from Sweden is 96-78-0 with a 2.31 GAA and a .915 SV%.
Berndtsson is also a 3-time member of the Swedish Women’s National Team. She played in the 2017 Women’s World Championship in Plymouth, Michigan.
Entering into her 16th pro season, Berndtsson feels that she is dialed in now more than ever.
“Now that I can go 100-percent right from the start, a big focus will be to rebuild my strength again and increase my power,” said Berndtsson. “I feel like I wasn’t at the same level I’ve been before in those areas. Hopefully, that will take my game to the next level for the 2022-23 PHF Season!”
