Brynäs women's ice hockey team are Swedish champions for the first time. They defeated Frölunda 3–0 in the series after a 6–2 win in the third match of the best-of-five final.
The victors were, as so often before, the team's Finnish stars. The Swedish Championship (SM) gold was delivered by a Finnish success story that piled up points.
The trio of Viivi Vainikka, Noora Tulus and Jenniina Nylund stepped up when it mattered most and completely dominated the playoffs. When it all came together, they topped the points table - first, second and third - and carried Brynäs all the way to gold.
“Really wanted this”
“But it's the whole team. We did this together,” says Viivi Vainikka.
The 24-year-old is wrapped in golden confetti. She looks happy, but almost more relieved. Brynäs has lost seven finals in its history and is seen as the "eternal second" in Swedish women's hockey.
“You definitely think about it a little bit, but we made a great effort; we really wanted this,” she says.
Two goals in the final. Seven in total in the playoffs. 13 points and top of the playoffs points table. The recipe for success? Embracing the pressure.
“I love this. Getting to play crucial games like this. I love ice hockey and especially these types of games,” says Vainikka.
“Has been our role”
Right from the quarterfinals, the Finns set the tone with their speed and creativity.
Noora Tulus, second in the playoff points standings, believes she knows why the team's Finnish stars exploded at the most crucial stage of the season.
“We just have so much fun with each other. Especially me and Viivi. We know each other well and we know how we want to play and what our strengths are,” she says, and continues:
“That's been our role this season. To score those important points. I'm really happy that we stepped up here in the last game.”
“Really big celebration”
Now the heroes will also show where the trophy cabinet will be at the victory party.
“This is going to be a really big celebration. We're going to enjoy it. Oh, how we're going to enjoy it, the whole team,” says Tulus.
Vainikka scored two goals in the decisive victory against Frölunda. Tulus and Nylund each scored a goal.
