Heikki Lukkonen. Sifting the grain from the chaff.
Spring is approaching, the sun’s rays are getting warmer and nature is waking up. The atmosphere in the ELVI floorball league is also getting hotter, as the climax of the season has arrived. Fans have filled the arenas in large numbers and created an impressive atmosphere in the semi-finals. Valmiera, Ķekava, Lielvārde and Ulbroka are the spring hot spots of Latvian floorball.
Last weekend I had the opportunity to attend four Premier League semi-final games in person. I am really pleasantly surprised by what I saw. The organization of the games, the interaction between the teams and the fans left a great impression on me. Latvian floorball is not yet at the top of the world, but Latvian fans are undoubtedly there. I can’t wait for my first visit to the Latvian Superfinal in less than three weeks.
Observation of candidates
During the knockout matches, players have the privilege to show their skills in crowded arenas and in a heated atmosphere. All teams get extra energy from the fans. The intensity of the game is much higher than in the regular season. The physical game is closer to the international level, free space and decision-making time on the field is limited. The importance of mental preparation is increasing. Some players “disappear” in such conditions, while others “thrive”. I value players who are able to focus on their tasks and execute them in the crucial moments of the game, making winning actions.
A team needs an identity and fundamental strengths to build on. A successful team is good enough in all phases of the game to survive challenging moments. It is important to have balance and the ability to take on a variety of different roles. Artists cannot perform if no one brings their instruments on stage. The best team of the regular season, “Valmiera”, went through two rounds of playoffs and reached the Superfinal with an impressive 8-0 record. There is no doubt about who has been the best team in the ELVI floorball league so far this season.
However, don’t count the chicks before they hatch! Everyone in the experienced Valmiera team knows that they are not champions yet. Only the Superfinal on April 15 will answer all the questions and write this floorball season in the history books. Will we see the dominance of “Valmiera”? Or a Cinderella story? When the stage is at its highest and the arena is filled with raucous fans, anything can happen. Take the chance, there can only be one winner!
See you in the Superfinal,
Heiki Lūkonens,
Latvian men’s national team head coach
28.03.2023
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