A summary and reflection on the recent Women’s World Floorball Championships that took place in Singapore at the beginning of December 2023, and looking ahead:
It was an exciting trip once the players got used to the 13-hour time difference - almost twice as much as any other team competing in the WFC. This was the second trip to Singapore for Team USA, the first being in 2005 when they placed 10th. It was a historically significant WFC for Team USA as this was the first time the team brought (11) state-side players out of the (20) player roster limit. Among the team were also (11) new players making their WFC debut.
Heading into the tournament USA had (6) players under the age of 21 with promising skills. The team standout and player to watch was Klara Kyrk Gere – who did not disappoint. She was the top scorer for USA, netting (7) goals across the whole tournament, including a hattrick in Game 2 against Japan. See below for a glimpse of each of USA’s games:
GAME 1: USA vs. Estonia (3-9) – Estonia had two runs of (3) or more consecutive goals scored. Team USA was getting used to their new lineup and shaking off tournament jitters and struggled to respond. Goal scorers: Suzi Lindquist (1), and Klara Kyrk Gere (2), with (41) saves by Kate MacBean. USA’s Player of the Match: Kate MacBean (#36).
GAME 2: Japan vs. USA (8-5) – It was another slow start by Team USA with Japan scoring (5) unanswered goals in the 1
st period. USA came alive in the 2
nd and 3
rd periods to score a total of (5) goals but it wasn’t enough to make up for their lack of goals scored in the 1
st period. Goal scorers: First WFC hattrick by Klara Kyrk Gere (3), Suzi Lindquist (1), and Christine Lindberg (1). USA’s Player of the Match: Klara Kyrk Gere (#10).
GAME 3: USA vs. Denmark (2-9) – A promising start by Team USA as they were the only team who scored a goal during the 1
st period. The 2
nd period showed to be tighter play with it ending 2-3, Denmark. Unfortunately, Denmark completely pulled ahead in the final period by scoring (6) more goals. Goal scorers: Selma Johnasson (1) and Catherine Lovitt (1), with another impressive (34) saves by Kate McBean. USA’s Player of the Match was awarded to Marie Häggström (#8) by the US Ambassador to Singapore, Ambassador Kaplan.
GAME 4: France vs. USA (1-4) – Team USA had some ground to make up and was hungry for a win. They scored off a powerplay in the 1
st period and went onto netting (2) more goals before France responded. It became a physical game with both teams incurring two penalties. A final goal in the 3
rd period by Selma Johansson solidified Team USA’s first win during the 2023 WFC. Goal scorers: Klara Kyrk Gere (1), Marie Häggström (1), Selma Johansson (2). USA had 40 shots on goal vs France’s 17. USA’s Payer of the Match: Selma Johansson (#57).
GAME 5: Estonia vs. USA (9-4) – It was an encouraging performance from Team USA that did not reflect how close the playoff game truly was with both teams answering each other’s goals with another. Ultimately, Team USA was outscored each period and netted zero goals in the 3
rd period compared to (2) goals from Estonia. Goal scorers: Selma Johansson (2), Klara Kyrk Gere (1), and Christine Lindberg (1), not to mention a beautiful penalty shot save by Kate MacBean. USA’s Player of the Match: Megan Addington (#1) with a WFC career high of (16) saves.
Following their 5
th and final game, Team USA’s players received medals for 14
th place. Suzi Lindquist was also awarded the PUMA FairFloorball player for Team USA. In the spirit of the FairFloorball campaign the IFF, in partnership with PUMA, pays tribute to the players who live up to the values of FairFloorball: FairPlay, FairAccess, FairTreatment, and FairFuture. During the tournament defensive player, Tiffany Gerber (#14), was recognized for playing her 55
th game for Team USA.
Singapore offered many positive learning experiences for Team USA. Great memories were made, and new traditions were created, all of which continue to bring the squad closer together.
Now that the 2023 WFC in Singapore is done and dusted, Team USA is looking to the future with not one but two major qualification games on the horizon, plus a new and unexpected 3 vs. 3 WFC. Below you will find Team USA’s upcoming schedule of events through 2025:
- Inaugural Women's 3 vs. 3 WFC in Lahti, Finland – May 8-12, 2024 (coinciding with the U19 Women’s WFC)
- The World Games Qualifiers vs Team Canada in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada - August 2-4, 2024
- World Floorball Championship Qualifiers vs Team Canada in USA (exact location TBD) - February 2-4, 2025
- (If Qualified) - The World Games in Chengdu, China - August 7-17, 2025
- (If Qualified) - World Floorball Championships in Brno & Ostrava, Czech Republic - December 5-14, 2025
The United States Floorball Association is eager to grow its women’s program. Should you have an interest in joining the squad please reach out to General Manager, Alyssa Zinsser Hall:
Alyssa.zinsser@usfba.org
