The 2024 Swedish Hockey League Final begins today, with Skellefteå hosting Rögle in Game One of the best-of-seven series.
Skellefteå fought their way through an epic Semi-Final series against Frölunda, winning the decider on Thursday 4-1. They are battle-hardened and will be desperate to make sure that they claim a trophy from this season having just fallen short in the Champions Hockey League final two months ago.
As for Rögle, their stunning 4-0 sweeps of Färjestad and Växjö mean that they are well-rested and have been kicking their heels for nine days since their last game. Such a long lay-off can work against a team; however, they’ve had the ability to plan their past week of training and to ensure that everyone is ready to go.
This has the look of a series that could go to six or the full seven games. If it does, it may well be decided by whether Skellefteå’s marathon Semi-Final gives them the experience and confidence to find a way to win or if Rögle’s sprint through the last two rounds means they have more left in their tank than their opponent.
It’s been a great season, aided by the introduction of the Home Of Hockey streaming service that has allowed many of us outside of Sweden to follow all of the action closer than before, and these two teams are sure to finish it off in style.