VÄXJÖ / Stockholm. It took some time before the puck was released in the fifth period.
The ice on Vida’s arena was wet in SC’s first final between Växjö Lakers and Skellefteå AIK.
– It’s the fourth electric district, Skellefteå says Oscar Nilsson appeared.
The first final between Skilliftio and Vacchu turned out to be a marathon match.
2-2 after full time meant overtime, but before the fourth inning, the crowd had to wait a bit to get a low on wet ice.
Before the second extension period, the problem was even greater. For a while it wasn’t clear when the puck might be released.
– It (ice) is not good. We’ll see if it freezes at all here, or else we’ll have to puck up in the air or something, says Skellefteå coach Robert Ohlsson at C More.
The match started
Referee Mikael Nord communicated with both teams’ coaches while waiting for the ice to freeze.
– We are talking about the fact that it is very humid and there will be risks for those who are going to try to treat a tablet here. We’ll see what we end up with, Nord V.C. Moore says.
– We have to get the best conditions for the boys to play. It’s still SM finale we’re talking about, so we have to get something going.
After a delay of barely ten minutes, the fifth inning was underway, and the decision came about four minutes early in the period when Keegan Lowe scored the winning run for Vacshaw.
– We played five periods, the hall is packed and hot outside. It wasn’t perfect but we’re playing on the same ice so there are no excuses, says the hero of the match afterwards.
It might have been worse in the fourth period when they were at their best, but luckily they waited for the fifth period and then it was much better.
“Elzone Four”
Skellefteå’s Oscar Nilsson stabbed Växjö for the ice after the game.
– It’s the fourth electricity region (where electricity demand is greatest, editor’s note), so maybe it’s a little tricky with electricity, says Nelson.
He thinks Skellefteå has handled the problems well.
– I don’t think anyone wants to play on wet ice, so it wasn’t like we were sulking.
– There were no wet spots, but you did notice that the ice was very soft and was a bit bouncy. But it’s the same for both teams.