Pixbo IBK will get a re-match against Thorengruppen as the teams will meet again in the Champions Cup final. Last year Thorengruppen took home the CC title with one-goal difference but how will the final end this year? Will it be a three-peat for Thorengruppen or second Champions Cup title for Pixbo?
Champions Cup on the Women’s side will have a definite highlight as the two floorball powerhouses, Thorengruppen and Pixbo meet in the final at Nolia Arena on Saturday. Thorengruppen won the Champions Cup final last year 4-3 and they also won the previous meeting of these teams in the SSL 7-6. The matches between Pixbo and TG are always tight and we are definitely expecting the same from the final tomorrow.
Mira Markström is one of the brightest stars in Pixbo, SSL and in the Swedish national team. Markström has a background in ice hockey: she has played for HV71 in Linköping and at the IIHF Women’s U18 World Championship three times. In 2023 Markström made a decision to focus only on floorball. And that decision has only brought good things her way.
Markström gained international recognition in floorball last year at the U19 World Floorball Championships in Lahti, Finland, when she gained a spot in the All-Star Team and won gold together with Sweden. She was the key player for Sweden alongside Ellen Lundin, who became her teammate as Markström joined Pixbo IBK. Markström is currently second in the top scorer statistics in the SSL with 38 goals and 18 assists in 17 games. Next week she will make a debut in the World Floorball Championships Qualifications in Valmiera, Latvia. So if 2024 was a great year for Markström, 2025 might be even better. And it might start with a Champions Cup title if they manage to beat Thorengruppen.
2024 was a big year for you. You made your debut in the Women’s U19 WFC in Lahti winning gold there and being selected to the event All-Star Team. You also transferred to Pixbo. How would you describe your year and all of your accomplishments?
— Yes, it has been a really great year! Winning the gold medal at the WFC was fantastic, and I’m truly grateful to have been a part of that. My first season at Pixbo has exceeded all my expectations, and I’m so thankful that they welcomed me with open arms and big hearts. I’m really proud to be a part of Pixbo.
This is your first season in Pixbo and currently you’re the team’s internal top scorer and second in the overall SSL statistics. What have been the main factors contributing to your success with the “Foxes” so far?
— Pixbo is a great organization and we have excellent players. The level of practice is very high because you’re always competing against some of the best players in the world. It really helps me to develop as a player. I think it is important to enjoy and having fun when you play. I also think it’s important to be brave, try new things and not to be afraid to make mistakes.
More young athletes like yourself are starting to choose Floorball over Ice Hockey as their main sport. Why did you choose floorball having just represented Sweden in Ice Hockey at the IIHF Women’s U18 World Championship?
— I had to make a choice between two sports I really love, and my decision wasn’t easy. I had to trust my gut feeling.
What are your biggest strengths since having a background in both ice hockey and floorball?
— I think I’ve got strength from the ice hockey, and it has helped me in floorball.
This is your first Champions Cup and the final awaits on Saturday. What are your expectations for that and for meeting Thorengruppen?
— I really look forward to play the final, I hope there will be many people in the arena. It’s always tight games against Thoren and I think even this game will be tight and entertaining. But in the end I hope that we will win the gold medal.
Women’s Champions Cup final Thorengruppen v Pixbo
Saturday 25th January 2025 at 13:30 CET at Thoren Arena
Live on the IFF App
