The purpose of this study was to explore a temporal structure (i.e. sequence of phases and relevant psychological content) of the junior-to-senior transition (JST) in Swedish ice hockey players. The study was a qualitative exploration of the JST transition process designed in three steps. First, the athletic career transition model coupled with a holistic developmental approach and analysis of the Swedish ice hockey context, were used to create a conceptual four-phase (preparation, orientation, adaptation and stabilization) JST framework and interview guides. Second, seven active semi-professional ice hockey players were interviewed about their JST experiences and asked for their feedback on the conceptual framework. Finally, based on the empirical data and the participants’ feedback, the conceptual framework was transformed into an empirical model of the JST. In the empirical model ‘Phases in the JST of Swedish ice hockey players’ the authors provided a summary of the players’ transition experiences (i.e. perceived demands, resources, barriers, coping strategies and outcomes) within each of the four (i.e. the preparation, the orientation, the adaptation, and the stabilization) JST phases. Further, the authors discussed the empirical model in relation to theoretical frameworks and previous research and also provided methodology-, future research- and practice- oriented reflections addressed to researchers, coaches and sport psychology practitioners. © The Author(s) 2017