Elitserien 2012/2013 - Time for the Finals!

[The Swedish Flame]

I am so excited. For the first time since 1996/1997, my beloved Luleå Hockey has finally gone all the way to the final again. Since 1996/1997 we have been fairly low on success until two/three seasons again when the team started to like they actually knew what they are doing again.

We're pitted against Skellefteå AIK in the final. If you're a Calgary-fan I think that you might most closely associate that team with Tim Erixon

They are our closest rivals in the league (located about 130km south of Luleå) and the finals are going to be intense. My only regret is that I don't get to be there myself

Here are some pictures and videos!

Intro from the fourth semi-final against Färjestad (Loob's old club). Rather long, 6:09.


Another angle of the intro, mainly of the standing section.


More fans!

[NBC]

I wish I could share your excitement, but I'm a Malmo Redhawks fan.

[The Swedish Flame]

Originally Posted by NBC

I wish I could share your excitement, but I'm a Malmo Redhawks fan.

Another year without promotion. I'm sorry

[Street Pharmacist]

I love the way the fan experience looks at Scandinavian hockey games. Looks awesome

[The Swedish Flame]

Originally Posted by Street Pharmacist

I love the way the fan experience looks at Scandinavian hockey games. Looks awesome

I've been to three NHL-games so far, so I can't say that my in-person experience is very big. But there seems to be a pretty huge difference between Sweden (Europe) and the NHL.

Back home, every team has a certain section of the arena that is standing room only. This is normally where you find the hardcore fans (plus kids, youth, and others who don't want to pay a fortune for a ticket) that sing/jump/etc. the entire game. Chants and songs are heavily inspired by other sports, such as football (soccer), and are usually more complicated than a "Go [team] Go!".

In the NHL the games are much "bigger" though. Bigger in the sense that there are so many things going on before/during the game. Contests, cheerleaders, ice girls, etc. are everywhere. Not to mention that there are so many food and drink options.

[The Swedish Flame]

The first game in the final was played today. Skellefteå completely dominated the show for three periods but the score at full time was 0-0. Skellefteå eventually managed to win in the first overtime period.

Luleå Hockey's goalie, Johan Gustafsson, played magnificently today and stopped 38 (or something like that) shots. I can't see why the Wild wouldn't bring him over as soon as they possibly can.

Highlights here (just click the "play" in the middle of the screen"): http://hockeyligan.se/

[The Swedish Flame]

If anyone's bored and want to watch Swedish hockey, the third game in the final series is underway here: http://www.vipbox.tv/ice-hockey/1495...am-online.html

[Addick]

Originally Posted by The Swedish Flame

Back home, every team has a certain section of the arena that is standing room only. This is normally where you find the hardcore fans (plus kids, youth, and others who don't want to pay a fortune for a ticket) that sing/jump/etc. the entire game. Chants and songs are heavily inspired by other sports, such as football (soccer), and are usually more complicated than a "Go [team] Go!".

In the NHL the games are much "bigger" though. Bigger in the sense that there are so many things going on before/during the game. Contests, cheerleaders, ice girls, etc. are everywhere. Not to mention that there are so many food and drink options.

I would say that sporting events in North America are bigger spectacles than elsewhere in the World. The events are much more about sports entertainment than just pure sports and this is evident in the number of sideshows provided at games in Canada and America. While supporters in Europe and elsewhere are left to keep themselves entertained with songs and chants, rarely are North American fans left to their own devices. Further, there is an expectation in North America that it is up to entertainers to create the atmosphere and provide a reason to cheer. In football grounds across Europe it is much different as the fans really do consider themselves to be the extra-man and place the onus on themselves to get their team going.

Personally, I’d love to see a safe standing areas in the Flames’ new arena. The English Premiership lost a lot of atmosphere when they removed the terraces and I think they could nurture the development of a supporters group/section at Flames games.

[The Swedish Flame]

Originally Posted by Addick

Personally, I’d love to see a safe standing areas in the Flames’ new arena. The English Premiership lost a lot of atmosphere when they removed the terraces and I think they could nurture the development of a supporters group/section at Flames games.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't White Hart Lane the only stadium in the Premiership with a standing area? Or did they completely remove all of them?

The rest of your post sound spot on.

Edit: Looked it up, I was wrong. I remember reading something about the standing area at White Hart Lane a few years ago but I can't remember what it was.

[Addick]

Originally Posted by The Swedish Flame

Edit: Looked it up, I was wrong. I remember reading something about the standing area at White Hart Lane a few years ago but I can't remember what it was.

Yup. As far back as 2006, when I saw Brazil v Wales at the Lane, it was an all-seater. I think even when some Premier League grounds still had parts of their terraces remaining, they just were unable to use them. It looks like this may last have been the case with Fulham in 2001.

[vilzeh]

Luleå is also my team in Elitserien, as I'm from Haparanda, which is not too far from Luleå! but god damn, Skellefteå is really outplaying them and if not for Gustafsson, the games would have been blowouts. Well, too bad.

[vilzeh]

Skellefteå wins the gold, in 4 straight matches. Total domination, Luleå had no chance.