The Men´s and Women´s Finals in Sweden were played in one day final event in the Globe Arena. The championships were decided in one match. AIK won the Men´s final and Balrog B/S IK did the same on Women´s side. Both teams are new champions.
The Men´s final was a rematch from last year as AIK and Warberg IC met in the final again. Warberg IC had won two last championships and was after their third title in a row.
There were five 2 minute penalties in the first period and both team succeeded to score once on the power play. First Niklas Jihde took the lead for AIK, but only one and half minutes later Kimmo Eskelinen tied the match to 1-1, which was also the score in the intermission.
The 14 000 spectators in the Globe Arena saw an even second period. Kimmo Eskelinen scored his second goal and took the lead for Warberg, but then the player of the year, Fredrik Djurling, tied the match to 2-2.
The championship was settled in the third period. AIK had a better start as Patrik Edgren and Mats Carlsson scored two goals for AIK. Warberg was not able to reduce the lead and AIK won the match 6-2. The last goal was scored to empty net by Niklas Jihde. The floorball legend Jihde ended his career to this final and with the victory his successful career got a golden ending.
Balrog B/S IK Women´s Champion
The reigning women´s champion IKSU lost their semi-final against Falun IBF so it was clear that there will be a new women´s champion. Falun IBF played the final against Balrog B/S IK, who had lost last year´s final to IKSU.
The more experienced Balrog started the scoring in the first period and they had a 2-0 lead in the first intermission. Falun IBF did not give up and played strong in the second period. First Johanna Holmbom reduced the lead and then Sara Kristofersson tied the match during power play. After this Balrog showed their strenght again as Amanda Wendelstig took the lead back to Balrog only half minute after the equalizer.
The third period started even and Falun tried to tie the match. The only goal was however scored by the player of the year, Emelie Lindström, from Balrog. With the result 4-2 Balrog won the gold in front of over 10 000 spectators.
AIK and Balrog to EFC Final Round
With the championship victories AIK and Balrog B/S IK confirmed their place in the EuroFloorball Cup Final Round. The EFC Final Round will be played in Denmark in October 2009. In the Women´s tournament Sweden will have also another representative as the reigning EFC Champion IKSU has a direct place to the Final Round. Also the silver team in the Men´s league, Warberg IC, will have a chance to qualify to the EFC Final Round from EFC Qualification to 2nd best teams from Top 4 Nations.
