Luleå is in the final after winning the regular season. But the results have not always reflected the performance, says Luleå veteran Emma Nordin. She thinks that the team, which has dominated the league for several years and won four straight Swedish Championships, has struggled with motivation during the season.
"We've really given ourselves good conditions throughout the season if you look at the table. We have mainly had the motivation to constantly push for training and in everyday life. Then we've collapsed larger parts of separate matches. But now we're standing here and it's great fun.
Brynäs were gold favourites last year but lost the fifth decisive match and will be in the mood for revenge for this year's final. In the teams' last meeting, they also zeroed in on Luleå when they won 2-0.
"Often asked..."
Veteran Emma Nordin has scored goals and been named sdhl player of the year twice during her years in Luleå. Last year, she missed the decider when she won the title with a Chinese team in the Russian League in a brief overseas adventure.
To win a fifth Swedish Championship gold with Luleå, and a sixth overall, would mean a lot.
"You are often asked if you are not satisfied, full or tired. But it's special every time. It would be unbelievable, incredibly big win additional gold," she said.
The final series begins on Friday and is broadcast on SVT.