Nokian KrP and Joona Rantala up for a challenge in their first Champions Cup

Nokian KrP won the Finnish Cup last season and secured their spot in the Champions Cup. Like Esport Oilers, also KrP are making their debut in this international club tournament. And is there a better timing for that – their brand new home arena just got ready and the quarter-final against Storvreta is the first event taking place there. Captain and penalty shot specialist Joona Rantala shares his thoughts about meeting the Swedish champions.

Everyone expected great things from Nokian KrP during last season. They had the roster for that but in the end it was enough for third place in the F-liiga. Winning the Finnish Cup was a big thing for KrP, as they had not won a title before. This win also got them into their first ever Floorball Champions Cup.

Joona Rantala played in his first Men’s WFC in 2022. It was a dream come true for Rantala whose talent had been noticed already earlier on the national level. Photo by Fabian Trees

Joona Rantala is the team captain, penalty shot specialist and a player known to play different positions – he can be a defender, forward or center. Maybe even a goalkeeper if needed? Rantala has played in the league teams in Tampere, either in Classic or KrP since 2017. He also became a solid part of the Finnish men’s national team in 2022 and played in The World Games and in his first Men’s World Floorball Championships in Zurich. Rantala has won gold with the Finnish U19 team in 2017 World Championships. Rantala is the leader of Nokian KrP, who call themselves “martens” (in Finnish näädät).

First time in the Champions Cup – what are your expectations for the event?

— It is amazing to have a chance to compete against the best clubs in the world. This is a big thing for our club.

You’ll meet Storvreta in the quarter-finals. How would you describe your opponent?

— Storvreta is one of the best clubs ever. Challenge will be as hard as it can get and we are looking forward to it.

You got injured last spring during the play-offs. Have you fully recovered and could you train normally during summer?

— The ankle is fully recoverd and I have been able to train normally now.

You are returning to Nokia after playing in Rahola in Tampere for several seasons. And you’re playing in a brand new arena. How does it feel to play ”at home” again and what are your first impressions of your new home arena?

— Being back at our club’s hometown is awesome. The arena is one of the best in Finland and I hope the athmosphere will also be the best.

Which player(s) will make a difference in the quarter-finals and help you reach the semi-finals?

— Juuso Ahola was really good last spring and he will continue doing that.