After Europe it’s now the turn of the Americas region in qualifying for the Men’s World Floorball Championships 2024 in Malmö, Sweden. However this is an extra important qualifications as the winner will also qualify as the sole Men’s AMER region representative for The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, China!
Canada and the USA will play 2 matches over the weekend of 17-18 February at the Toronto Metropolitan University, in Toronto, Canada. The winner of this 2 game series will qualify for both the Men’s World Floorball Championships 2024 and The World Games 2025. Find out more about both sides below and also how to follow all the action!
Describe your team, and what should we expect from your team during WFCQ 2024?
Canada comes to the Men’s World Championship Qualifications with a new coach and a veteran lineup which is mostly the same as the WFC 2022, where Canada finished 12th after an OT loss to Poland. Coach Mattias Karlsson comes to the men’s program from Sweden, where he headed the Karlstad IBF men’s team in Allsvenskan and the women’s team in the SSL. He has gotten to know the men’s team in November when Canada beat Iceland and the U.S.A. in friendly matches.
Players to watch
Team rookie or young player to look out for on your team and why?
#22 Justin Knight – A promising young defenceman who is strong on the ball and dangerous offensively. He made a strong impression in the U19 WFCQ with three points over two games, and in the NAFL playing for the Fresno Force.
Who is a leader on and off the field and why?
#61 Matthew Smith – Captain Smitty is the heart and soul of floorball in Canada, serving as the longtime captain of the men’s team as well as serving on the Floorball Canada board as President and Vice President. He is always pushing players to improve and supporting anyone involved in floorball in Canada. He seems to grow with each event, most recently captaining the Fresno Force to the NAFL final.
Most skillful player?
#91 Valtteri Viitakoski – Always the most dangerous player on the court, he is consistently among the top scorers in the world championships. He combines a powerful and accurate shot with excellent vision and an ability to always find open space. Currently playing for Nokian KRP in the F-Liiga.
Which player demonstrates #FairFloorball the best?
#8 James Daly – James has recently taken over as president of Floorball Canada, focusing on developing all our programs together with equitable attention and economic support.
Describe your team, and what should we expect from your team during WFCQ 2024?
Team USA has an age spread of 20 years between the oldest and youngest player. A few players have a lot of experience, but most are new, young, and hungry. Almost everyone comes to us from our successful and important U19 programme that has been developed during recent years. We aim to compete against the favourites from Canada over 6 periods.
Players to watch
Team rookie or young player to look out for on your team and why?
#75 Werner Trost is a rookie and still an U19 player – This will be his first ever WFCQ after joining USA Floorball. He secured his spot on the men’s team and brings with him his skill, speed, and intensity.
Who is a leader on and off the field and why?
The leader on and off the team is our veteran and Team Captain #79 Mikko Vähä-Vahe. His experience from the national team is older than a decade and he brings the spirit of the team down to the new generations who are taking over step by step.
Most skillful player?
#88 Reed Hearns understanding of the game, how he reads the opponent and how he can adapt to his team members and opponents is a skill that cant be underestimated and a skill that is crucial for a successful career at top level floorball.
Which player demonstrates #FairFloorball the best?
#16 David Hansen demonstrates best #FairFloorball. He is a fantastic player and person that has a deep desire to win – but always in a fair and competitive way!
Follow on the IFF App
IFF Youtube has been replaced with the IFF App and there is no match replays nor are all highlights made available for IFF Youtube channels. In addition to match replays, IFF App offers registered users event information, statistics, interviews, and highlights. The App is available for Android and iOS or on desktop version on app.floorball.sport.
How to register:
- Install the app from App Store or Google Play.
- Sign up using your mobile phone number and a security code that you will get by SMS (e-mail registration and login is set up for CZE and NZL users).
- You must be registered in the app to purchase access to a livestream. You can purchase event passes here.
- Follow your favourite teams to get notifications about matches and never miss any action!
- Follow the live score, watch livestreams, interviews & highlights. Share your emotions and cheer for your team!
Prices for WFCQ 2024
The pricing is as follows:
Single game = 5.99e
AMER Event Pass = 9.99e (all matches from this event)
WFCQ 2024 on social media
IFF Facebook: www.facebook.com/IFF.Floorball
IFF Twitter: twitter.com/IFF_Floorball
IFF Instagram: www.instagram.com/iff_floorball
IFF TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@iff_floorball
Photos: www.flickr.com/photos/IFF_Floorball (Please mention name of photographer)
Hashtags: #floorball #wfcq2024 #wfc2024 #thefloorisyours
