The Men’s World Floorball Championships 2022 AOFC Qualifications will be played in Singapore 31st May—4th June. Australia, Japan, Korea and Philippines are playing in Group G with Thailand, Singapore, New Zealand and Malaysia in Group H. The top 2 teams from each group will qualify directly to the World Floorball Championships 2022 taking place this November in Switzerland, making it 4 AOFC teams receiving direct qualification to the World Championships in 2022
Below is a preview of every team and their most important players provided by each Federation, with an insight into how things have been in their countries during the pandemic and in the build up to this AOFC tournament.
Group G
Australia
What were the main developments steps in Floorball over the last few years? What major progress were you able to achieve?
Covid, and the resultant government lockdowns, has meant almost 2 years of very little / limited floorball in Australia. Looking forward though, we are putting the building blocks in place under the legendary Carl Hammarlund, to develop state based training squads who will all train to the exact same program
What should we expect from your team during WFCQ 2022?
The team is a blend of youth and experience with talent across the squad. Our primary objective is to qualify for WFC 2022 in Switzerland but expect us to challenge, and probably win this World Championship Qualifier!
Players to watch
Most dangerous attacker:
Without a doubt Tomas Gartner is our most dangerous attacker. For the past few years he has consistently been in our top 2 goal scorers. If he is not scoring he is setting up goals for any number of our talented forwards
Strongest defender:
Ray Staindl is as tough as nails, experienced and a key organiser of our defence. He leads by example and never gives up.
Toughest player:
Kade Ebeling would be our toughest player. Super fit and talented Kade is at home as a forward, centre or defender. Uncompromising and direct and with a never say die attitude, expect Kade to be in the thick of things!
Face-off champion:
Australia has several face-off champions but don’t be surprised if Dan Gartner, the team captain, steps up when the pressure is on!
Japan
What were the main developments steps in Floorball over the last few years? What major progress were you able to achieve?
The number of new coronavirus infections has decreased, and the project sponsored by the Scout Association of Japan has managed to end. We are planning to hold the business as planned from April.
What should we expect from your team during WFCQ 2022?
We haven’t practiced as much as we would have liked during the pandemic, but the whole team will work together to go to the finals.
Players to watch
Most dangerous attacker:
Hiroto Moriya
Forward has great combat skills. His positive attitude will push him and the team at the same time
Strongest defender:
Naoki Shiba
He has a high amount of experience and skill. He has played in the national team a lot of times.
He has a strong knowledge of Asian floorball.
Toughest player:
Eiji Takizawa
His agility and amount of movement are very attractive. He plays in the top level in Japan.
Face-off champion:
Korea
What were the main developments steps in Floorball over the last few years? What major progress were you able to achieve?
We couldn’t play floorball for last 2years due to the pandemic. We have lost many players but are rebuilding the squad and have a young, determined group of players!!
What should we expect from your team during WFCQ 2022?
For the first time, we have recruited several players who have Korean blood from Sweden. We hope the players from this strong floorball country make our team even stronger! Our goal is getting the ticket to WFC in Switzerland!
Players to watch
Most dangerous attacker:
He won the scoring title last season 20/21 in the 2nd division in Sweden. He is the best scorer.
Strongest defender:
One of the most experienced player in the team. He has played as a defender from 2006. He is still technically and physically very good.
Toughest player:
He is a mentally and physically strong player. He has a lot of experience in the Swedish leagues.
Face-off champion:
Philippines
What were the main developments steps in Floorball over the last few years? What major progress were you able to achieve?
We have not been affected much by COVID‐19 as a team. Our team has progressed well since the WFC 2020 in Helsinki.
What should we expect from your team during WFCQ 2022?
Some of the players have been involved since 2019 and played various championships in Asia. For the WFCQ, we have some debutants in the national team. We are composed of a fairly young team with high technical ability and a great sense of play. We have players who play in Singapore, Sweden and Switzerland. The players have roots in the Philippines, either born there or have Filipino parents. Our goal is to qualify for the WFC.
Players to watch
Most dangerous attacker:
Kim Varga, high ball control, agility, vision, speed and acceleration.
Strongest defender:
Lucas Öijvall, because good strength, passing ability, high speed and acceleration and good sense of play.
Toughest player:
Ludvig Porral, because of great physical and marking skills.
Face-off champion:
Melvin Mendoza and Fredrik Escabel.
GROUP H
Thailand
What were the main developments steps in Floorball over the last few years? What major progress were you able to achieve?
We have developed floorball players at the local school levels even during the pandemic period.
What should we expect from your team during WFCQ 2022?
With only minor changes, this is one of our most experienced teams yet. We hope to qualify for the games.
Players to watch
Most dangerous attacker:
Pawat Thaidit is Thailands’ most experienced player and lethal shooter
Strongest defender:
Prakasit Namsawang is a tough and trustworthy defender.
Toughest player:
Veerasak Pimpa is a strong player who does not give up.
Face-off champion:
Singapore
What were the main developments steps in Floorball over the last few years? What major progress were you able to achieve?
During Covid-19, training as a team is quite difficult due to safety management measures. But as the years pass, and Covid-19 became under control, we are finally able to train without any restrictions. We are now able to train similar to pre-covid days, without any testing and number restrictions.
What should we expect from your team during WFCQ 2022?
After a disappointing WFC2020 spell. The team looks to bounce back in order to qualify for WFC2022. Lessons learnt during WFC2020 proved helpful in showing what the team is lacking and what areas should be improved. The team intend to show that even though we do not have players playing in the top leagues in Europe, we are still a force to be reckoned with.
Players to watch
Most dangerous attacker:
Lee Chee Yong. After a good outing at WFC2020, Lee is eager to show that he can replicate his form with his ability to work under pressure and an eye to score goals.
Strongest defender:
Singh Ishwarpal. A seasoned athlete, Singh has represented Singapore in field Hockey. His international experience will help calm down the defence.
Toughest player:
Huang Sean. He has proven to sacrifice his body for the sake of the team. This can be seen during WFC2020, his body was full of bruises as he ensures that no shots get past him
Face-off champion:
New Zealand
What were the main developments steps in Floorball over the last few years? What major progress were you able to achieve?
Over the last 2 years, the master’s national tournament and the national championships were both able to take place. Many regions have been able to hold their own local tournaments with players coming from across the country to participate.
What should we expect from your team during WFCQ 2022?
We have a young, fit and energetic team ready to show Asia Oceania what they’re made of. Our players have gathered from across New Zealand to form the strongest team we have ever entered. They will use superior speed and reach to out maneuverer opponents, creating devastating attacks from all angles. We look forward to strong competition, sportsmanship, and camaraderie from our Asian and Oceanic neighbours.
Players to watch
Most dangerous attacker:
Orlando Jones has lost count of how many hat trick’s he’s scored. He’s young, fast, tall and unstoppable at pace down the wing.
Strongest defender:
Jonathan To is well known to the floorball community as a fast, experienced, dependable defender and lethal playmaker.
Toughest player:
Face-off champion:
Alec Stewart is among the best all round players in Asia and has a vast array of attacking tools and stick skills, including faceoffs
Malaysia
What were the main developments steps in Floorball over the last few years? What major progress were you able to achieve?
Not much floorball actions happened in the rink for the last 2 years due to government restrictions. However, a breakthrough off the rink was achieved when floorball is now recognised as an official sport in schools nationwide.
What should we expect from your team during WFCQ 2022?
Coming to the WFCQ with only a month of preparation, the team is looking to finish in a higher position than the last WFCQ participation in 2018.
Players to watch
Most dangerous attacker:
Tristan James. Fast player with strong and accurate shots.
Strongest defender:
Fabian Chow. Coming back from double knee surgeries. Still very good defensively and very composed with the ball.
Toughest player:
Zephaniah Chong. Small in size but will run through the wall for the team
Face-off champion:
- The information here is provided by the teams and modified by the IFF.
More information about the WFCQ 2022 AOFC here.
