Some changes have been proposed to be made in the Swedish top league, SSL. The biggest proposal might be that overtime would be played three against three.

The SSL clubs together with their association SSL/SEI have proposed that starting from next season, overtime in both the men’s and the women’s SSL would be played with three field players on both side. The reason behind the change would be to make the game more attractive. The three versus three rule would be implemented during the regular season as well as during the play-offs.
The continuum for the overtime, if there is no result, is a penalty shootout. But instead of having a best of five system, the winner would be decided with a sudden death penalty shootout. If the other team scores on penalty shots and the other doesn’t the winner is decided. The sudden death penalty shootout would apply only during regular season and not during the play-offs.

Another proposed change would be the eight finals. At the moment, the best eight teams proceed to the play-offs. Next season, the 8th finals would be held for the teams ranked 7 to 10 and the winners would qualify for the quarterfinals. The 8th finals would be played with a best of five system. The teams that ranked 1 to 6 would qualify directly for the quarterfinals. This change would be introduced only in the men’s SSL.
Also in the future, the teams couldn´t decide which team they want to face in the quarterfinals. The decision process would be changed so that the 1st team will play against the 8th and the 2nd team will play against the 7th and so on.

– This is the direction we and the SSL clubs want to develop the league. By continuously developing the product, we make the brand more attractive, both now and over time, says Krister Kalte chairman of SSL/SEI.

Source: Innebandymagazinet & FloorballToday
Photos: Per Wiklund