The first ice hockey game in Linköping was played 16 January 1940 between Linköpings AIK and Derby. The sport later was developed in the club BK Kenty with a team at the 2nd level in Sweden and, as the best result, a qualification series for the top tier in 1958. In 1976 Linköping Hockey Club was established on its own. LHC continued to play in the 2nd tier up to 1999 when the club qualified to the top league. In 2004 a new multi-functional arena was built in Linköping and the team became one of the top teams in Sweden, finishing fifth or better for eight straight league seasons from 2004 to 2011. In 2007 and 2008 LHC reached the finals but were runners-up both times.