Recently, the Swedish Championship final was played at Studenterna IP in Uppsala, and the players were not gracious in their criticism of the ice.
- It is basically unplayable, said Tilda Ström from Villa Lidköping to SVT Sport then.
Several players who played the Swedish Championship final on the "unplayable" ice play for the Swedish national team during the World Cup in Åby.
The daytime temperature outside is around 14 degrees in the sun, but this time the arena has a roof, which bodes well for the ice quality.
- The ice is absolutely fantastic.
A cold arena, with hard and good ice that provides really good conditions, says forward Matilda Svenler.
Two Smålanders in the squad
Two Smålanders have been selected for the national team squad.
Matilda Svenler from Tranås and goalkeeper Pernilla Elardt Östh from Nässjö.
Both now play in Villa Lidköping who won their second straight Swedish Championship gold this weekend.
And now they will chase the World Cup gold at Småland's home ground.
- It is close for relatives and friends to come here.
I have been here when I was younger and played with the Småland team, so it is cozy to come back, says Pernilla Elardt Östh.
Russia is not included
Since the Women's World Cup was played for the first time, Sweden has met Russia in the final every time.
Sweden has won all gold except 2014, when Russia won.
But this year, Russia itself has chosen to withdraw, leaving eight participating countries.
Without Russia, Sweden is, if possible, even bigger favorites than usual.
- Purely sporting, it affects the championship.
But we were very determined that they would not be here, says Matilda Svenler.
Sweden will play its first match against Finland on Wednesday at 18:00, a match that SVT broadcasts.