Can take Swedish Championship gold with Brynäs after the long journey: "Has been awesome"

Ellen Jonsson, 23, has been on Brynäs' trip to the SDHL top.

After a dominant basic series, she and her teammates are in a fifth and decisive Swedish Championship final against Luleå at home.

- It has been a journey that has been very fun to be part of.

It is extra special to be in the final now that you have been on the journey from the beginning.

It is so fun to see us who have remained, and the whole of Brynäs, have continued to fight.

We have not given up and we have new goals in sight all the time, she says.

Four years ago, the team was far from the level it is now.

Then the team finished seventh in the basic series and the team was not happy with how they were treated by the association.

The team had admittedly been given its own permanent changing room, but only had a shower available.

- It is clear that it is frustrating, said then team captain Angelica Östlund to Arbetarbladet.

Became a change

Many players also left after that season.

But one of those who stayed was Ellen Jonsson, and she feels that there has been a big change.

- Those who were there then really said what they thought and felt there at the moment.

We presented everything on the table and then Brynäs listened to it.

It has probably been the case before that things have been said and Brynäs has, as it were, just said that "Well, it will be good", says Jonsson.

She continues:

- They really grabbed it and listened to us.

We were not talking about big pieces, but it was more about being respected by the club and feeling that you belong to Brynäs itself.

We did not feel that here and there, but we really do today.

It has been a great journey to be part of.

Thought of leaving

Was it doubtful if you would stay then because many disappeared?

- I'm not going to stick it under the chair, that was it.

Everyone hesitated but I really have a Brynäs heart.

I love Brynäs and have been here for a long time.

- I chose to stay and that is probably the best decision I have made, I feel today, she says.

You are from the area, what would a gold mean to you?

- A lot.

That's what I've been fighting for all season.

I have received many good luck greetings from my friends at home in Söderhamn and also here in Gävle.

You notice that Brynäs women's hockey is big in Söderhamn as well.

The Swedish Championship final will be broadcast on SVT2 and SVT Play on Thursday at 18.00.