The 12th Men’s U19 World Floorball Championships will be played from 26th – 30th April 2023 at Arena Nord, in Frederikshavn, Denmark. The host team Denmark, Estonia, Austria and USA are playing in Group C.
Denmark
Describe your team, and what should we expect from your team during MU19 WFC 2023?
We are very pleased with our team for the upcoming WFC. We have players that can decide games and a concept we believe in. The goal is to return to the top 8, but it’s a difficult task. We will have to beat some great to achieve that goal. We are really looking forward to play on home ground in Frederikshavn. We expect a great atmosphere.
Players to watch
Team rookie or young player to look out for on your team and why?
Malthe Stuckert is a great young goal scorer with “a shoot first” mentality. He is also eligible at the MU19 WFC 2025.
Who is a leader on and off the field and why?
Simon Damsø is our captain and leader on and off the field. The Danish team shall always be synonymous with team spirit and fight. Damsø is integral in this regard – he’s a great leader.
Most skillful player?
Jonas Gylling is player with some x-factor – expect the unexpected. Our first line with Gylling, Stuckert and Petersen are all very skilful and they have played together since they were kids.
Which player demonstrates #FairFloorball the best?
Kasper Abilgaard is a home team player from Frederikshavn. He has a great defensive game, but he always plays fair and clean.
Estonia
Describe your team, and what should we expect from your team during MU19 WFC 2023?
We have an even and balanced team, against whom is difficult for everyone. We have courage of youth, experience and skills for every situation.
Players to watch
Team rookie or young player to look out for on your team and why?
Chris Oja, a player with very good technique.
Who is a leader on and off the field and why?
Margus Rosin, solid defensive player with and without the ball. Captain and a good leader.
Most skillful player?
Which player demonstrates #FairFloorball the best?
Henri Liibert, a helpful and exemplary athlete.
Austria
Describe your team, and what should we expect from your team during MU19 WFC 2023?
Our team is a group of talented young floorball players who are passionate about the sport and eager to compete at the highest level. We come from diverse backgrounds and have worked hard to hone our skills both individually and as a team.
As we prepare for the MU19 WFC 2023, we are focused on giving our best and reaching for the stars. Our ultimate goal is to become a permanent member of the U19 WFC in the future, and we believe that this competition is an important stepping stone in achieving that goal.
During the tournament, you can expect us to play with heart, determination, and a relentless pursuit of victory. While we know that the competition will be fierce, we are confident in our abilities and are excited to showcase our skills on the world stage.
Win or lose, we will emerge from this competition stronger, more skilled, and more motivated than ever before. We are proud to represent our country and our sport, and we look forward to giving it our all at the MU19 WFC 2023.
Players to watch
Team rookie or young player to look out for on your team and why?
Jakob Rainer, born in 2007, is a promising young player on Team VSV Unihockey to look out for during the upcoming competition. Despite his age, he is already playing at the first league level, showcasing his skill and determination on the field.
Jakob is a talented all-around player, with strong skills in both offense and defense. He possesses excellent speed, agility, and ball-handling ability, making him a force to be reckoned with on the field. Furthermore, his impressive game sense and decision-making abilities have helped him to make a significant impact on the team.
Despite being a rookie, Jakob has already shown his leadership potential, consistently setting a positive example for his teammates with his strong work ethic and commitment to the game. With his passion for the sport and his drive to succeed, there is no doubt that Jakob will continue to develop into a top-level player in the future.
Who is a leader on and off the field and why?
Georg Leitner ist the most active player of Austria. He is a goalie and this will be his second U19 WFC after being a goalie in Brno 2021. He plays for Fsg Linz/rum in the Austrian Floorball Bundesliga.
As the team’s goalie, Georg is a crucial player on the field, consistently demonstrating his skill, focus, and determination. He brings a calm and collected presence to the team, always stepping up when needed and providing crucial saves in crucial moments. His experience and leadership are evident in his play, and he has become a key figure for the team.
Off the field, Georg is equally important as a leader. He is committed to the development of the sport in Austria, actively participating in local leagues and helping to train young players. He is also an advocate for the team, working tirelessly to promote the sport and the team’s achievements.
Most skillful player?
Goalie Georg Leitner (see above)
Which player demonstrates #FairFloorball the best?
Paul Steinbichler is a true ambassador of #FairFloorball, consistently demonstrating excellent sportsmanship and fair play both on and off the floorball field. Despite his young age, he has quickly gained a reputation for his calm and collected demeanor, always remaining level-headed and respectful in every situation.
As a member of the FBC Dragons, Paul is a key player on the team, bringing his skill and determination to every game. However, it is his commitment to fair play that truly sets him apart from his peers. He is always respectful towards his opponents, never resorting to unsportsmanlike behavior or foul play.
Furthermore, Paul is a role model off the field as well, actively participating in community events and promoting fair play and good sportsmanship among his peers. He consistently demonstrates a positive attitude and a willingness to help others, making him an invaluable member of both his team and his community.
USA
Describe your team, and what should we expect from your team during MU19 WFC 2023?
The United States brings one of their strongest Men’s U19 teams ever to this U19 WFC. With a focus on player development that goes back to the U19 WFC 2019 in Halifax, the US has pushed development teams of young men to every major tournament in the US. As a result, this team has played more together than any American national team has before, at any level.
Players to watch
Team rookie or young player to look out for on your team and why?
Landon VanPatten is only 15, but has been playing with the top club in the United States (North Texas) for two years. He is technically proficient and is a consistent playmaker at the highest level of US floorball.
Who is a leader on and off the field and why?
Isak Kelty is an aggressive, tough defender. He was captain at the AMER WFCQ in Salt Lake City, Utah when the US defeated Canada to earn their U19 WFC spot. He personifies the extra effort that this team brings to the table.
Most skillful player?
Maximus Blanco has represented the United States at both the Men’s and Men’s U19 level in international competition. With his recent performance and goal at the World Games in Birmingham, Alabama, he brings the US team to an entirely new level.
Which player demonstrates #FairFloorball the best?
One of our best US ambassador players is Ryan Folic. He is a great sportsman who is skilled and yet humble. He plays for the sheer love of the game and works hard every shift.
*Information is provided by the teams and edited by the IFF
