It's completely fantastic. It's historic, we're in Scandinavium, we're incredibly proud, the whole team. This is just the semifinal, but we'll enjoy ourselves tonight, says Karvinen to TV4 Play.
The Finnish star veteran secured a 5–2 win in an empty net with just over a minute left to play in front of 1,774 spectators at Scandinavium.
Thus, Frölunda, who debuted in SDHL last season, had turned around the semifinal series from a 1–2 deficit.
The home team's big profile became another Finn. Elisa Holopainen initiated the goal scoring and also accounted for three assists.
Michelle Karvinen, 34, has previously played five seasons for the final opponent Luleå and won three Swedish Championship gold medals.
The northern giant has won six consecutive Swedish Championship gold medals and seven in total.
We need to fine-tune the small details and minimize mistakes against Luleå. It's about being smart, it's a smart team we're facing that knows how to win. We need to be focused all the time, says Karvinen.
The Swedish Championship final series begins on Wednesday in Luleå.
Wednesday, final 1: Luleå–Frölunda.
Friday, final 2: Luleå–Frölunda.
Sunday, final 3: Frölunda–Luleå.
Tuesday, March 18, possible final 4: Frölunda–Luleå.
Saturday, March 22, possible final 5: Luleå–Frölunda.
