There were many who wanted Frölunda to take the step into women's ice hockey earlier, not least when the then top team in the city, Göteborg HC, struggled both athletically and economically.
When Frölunda finally launched the initiative before the 2022–2023 season, for example, finalist Luleå had already won five Swedish Championship titles.
Frölunda explained it by saying they wanted to build from the ground up – but still managed to attract a number of established profiles, including Finnish star Michelle Karvinen.
I had a good dialogue with Frölunda and knew that they wanted to make a long-term commitment, that they wanted to do it properly, she says.
And now we've got proof of that, really. But of course, we took a bit of a chance, you didn't know if it would work out.
Frölunda early on appointed former national team profile Kim Martin Hasson as sports manager, and she in turn brought in Erika Holst as coach. A duo that has won two Olympic Games medals in four Olympic Games with the Women's National Team.
"Step on the way"
And slowly but surely, the team building – a combination of stars like Karvinen and Swedish national team forward Hanna Olsson – fell into place.
The team cruised through Division 1, won the qualifying round, and managed to finish fourth in the SDHL already in their first season.
Now the team has gone all the way.
For me, it was extremely important to find out what Kim wanted, what the association wanted, and where we were headed, says Erika Holst.
We want to build something that hasn't been done before, and this is a step on the way. I'm so proud of the girls, the leadership team, and the association.
Played "magically"
Since you also need a bit of luck to win, she notes. Luleå started the final series well – but it was Frölunda who won the matches.
In the first two matches, they dominated at least periods one and two. But we found a way to win, says Erika Holst.
But in the third match, we played our game for the first time, I think. It was completely magical how we went out and played.
It would almost have been fun with one more match, or?
No, this is enough. I wouldn't have had the energy, she says with a laugh.
