The road to the IFF Champions Cup 2027 finals got underway this weekend, with the first legs of the Northern Conference quarter-finals producing close contests, a dominant women’s performance and plenty of intrigue ahead of next weekend’s decisive return matches.
Eight clubs from Finland and Sweden are competing in the Northern Conference, with the quarter-final ties being played over two legs.
Kalmarsund knockdown Koovee in clear fashion
The women’s quarter-finals began in Kalmar, Sweden on Saturday, as FBC Kalmarsund produced the most emphatic result of the opening weekend beating Finnish side Koovee.
Playing at TTM-hallen in Kalmar, Kalmarsund overwhelmed Finnish side Koovee 12–0, taking complete control of the tie. The Swedish side’s attacking unit was particularly impressive, with the top line producing a remarkable contribution. Karolina Klubalova recorded four goals and four assists, while Ellen Bäckstedt added 2+4 and Ellen Rasmussen (in her first competitive match with her new side) 3+1.
The 12-goal margin leaves Kalmarsund in an exceptionally strong position ahead of the return leg in Tampere, only needing a draw to progress and with all the momentum behind them.
Thorengruppen edge EräViikingit in close Women’s opener
There was far more drama and nerves in the other women’s quarter-final, where EräViikingit welcomed Swedish champions Thorengruppen IBK to Tapanilan Mosahalli.
The visitors secured a valuable advantage with a 2–1 victory, with the game remaining finely balanced throughout until 30 seconds before the end Suvi Hämäläinen struck for the visitors to give them the decisive winner.
The result gives Thorengruppen the advantage heading into the second leg in Umeå on 29 August. With such a close first match, things seem more evenly balanced than many would have thought beforehand between the defending Champions Cup winners and the Finnish cup champions.
Storvreta take narrow advantage and win against SPV
The men’s competition also began on Saturday, with defending Champions Cup winners Storvreta IBK travelling to Seinäjoki to face SPV.
In a closely fought encounter, Storvreta came away with a 2–1 victory, giving the Swedish side a one-goal advantage ahead of the second leg. Pascal Schmuki made the difference with the winning goal in the third period.
Storvreta’s defence of their title therefore begins with a narrow but important away win. The reigning champions will now return home for the deciding match at IFU Arena on 30 August.
Nokian KRP hold against Falun in dramatic back and forth match
Sunday brought the weekend’s biggest thriller, as IBF Falun hosted reigning Finnish champions Nokian KRP at UW-Tech Arena in the Men’s quarter-finals.
Nokian appeared to be cruising towards a comfortable victory after taking a 4–0 lead after two periods, but Falun started to look at a remarkable comeback in the final 15 minutes. The Finns restored their three-goal advantage at 5–2, but Falun refused to surrender. Martin Rönnklint reduced the deficit to 3–5 before Emil Ruud scored with just 1:10 remaining to make it 4–5.
Falun continued to press with the goalkeeper withdrawn, but Nokian goalkeeper Aki Karjalainen stood firm to secure the victory. Falun actually dominated the final period 4–1, but Nokian held on for a crucial away win. The 1,763 spectators at UW-Tech Arena were treated to a dramatic finish, but it is Nokian KRP who take the advantage back to Finland.
Everything to play for in the return legs
With the first weekend complete, the Northern Conference quarter-finals have already produced a mixture of tight contests and decisive victories.
Women’s Quarter-finals
EräViikingit 1–2 Thorengruppen IBK
FBC Kalmarsund 12–0 Koovee
Men’s Quarter-finals
SPV 1–2 Storvreta IBK
IBF Falun 4–5 Nokian KRP
The second legs will take place on 29–30 August, with the semi-finalists to be determined across the four ties.
Saturday August 29th:
Koovee – FBC Kalmarsund, 13:00 CET, Spiral-halli, Tampere, Finland
Thorengruppen IBK – EräViikingit, 14:00 CET, Nolia Arena, Umeå, Sweden
Nokian KRP – IBF Falun, 16:00 CET, AGCO Power Arena, Nokia, Finland
Sunday August 30th:
Storvreta IBK – SPV, 14:00 CET, IFU Arena, Uppsala, Sweden
The Champions Cup has only just begun — and after an opening weekend filled with close finishes, comebacks and one extraordinary 12-goal performance, the second legs promise plenty more drama. Stay tuned to all the action on the IFF App this coming weekend and on the Champions Cup Instagram and Facebook!
