Vítkovice‘s impressive run in the Champions Cup concluded Saturday with a loss to a dominant Swedish team in ostrava, marking the Czech club’s third appearance in the tournament final [[1]]. Despite the 6-2 defeat, coach Jiří Velecký and key players emphasized the meaning of reaching the championship game, a milestone for the program and Czech floorball as a whole [[1]]. The match showcased a remarkable performance by Finnish twins Veera and Oona Kauppi, who accounted for all nine of their team’s goals [[1]].
Despite a strong performance throughout the tournament, the Vítkovice team fell short in the Champions Cup final, a significant event in the world of floorball.
The team’s coach, Jiří Velecký, acknowledged the disappointment of the loss but emphasized the accomplishment of reaching the final stage. “When you lose in the final, it always hurts, but for us, just getting to where we did is a huge success,” Velecký stated. “We won’t lie to ourselves, we wanted to play that final better. But some things that we believed would work didn’t pan out, and the result is clear. As is the strength of our opponent.”
Vítkovice entered the final match against the Swedish powerhouse, a team renowned for its star players, hoping to avenge their semi-final loss in the same competition last year. However, they fell short of the top spot for the third time in history, having previously reached the final in 2014 and 2019.
“It’s a little bitter now, but over time we’ll realize that making it to the final is a huge success, not just for us, but for all of Czech floorball,” said Vendula Beránková, a representative team defender and Vítkovice’s sole scorer in the match.
Beránková scored once in a power play during the 14th minute, tying the game at 1-1, and again in the second period, narrowing the gap to 2-6 with a precise long-range shot. “Of course, I’m happy with the goals. I’m glad I could help a little, but it’s still a team sport. Our opponents proved they are just a little bit ahead of us. We have things to work on to catch up,” she commented.
The Finnish twins, Veera and Oona Kauppi, were the undeniable stars of the final, scoring all nine of their team’s goals. Veera Kauppi, a five-time world’s best player, contributed six points with four goals and two assists. Her sister, Oona, added two goals and three assists to the victory.
“That speaks for itself. It’s huge quality. And when you add two more Swedish national team players, that line is just from another planet,” Velecký pointed out. “They are incredible, almost otherworldly,” added Beránková, one of four Czech representatives who won a historic silver medal at the recent Floorball World Championship and competed in the Champions Cup final.
Nikola Příleská, a goalkeeper, and Nela Sikorová, a forward, also wore the Czech jersey for Vítkovice in Brno in December and in Ostrava. On the opposing team, Jana Christianová, a goalkeeper, entered the game in the final minutes when the outcome was already decided.
“We had agreed that I could go in halfway through the game, but it ended up happening at least like this. I’m glad I got to play and finally, after many defeats with Chodov, I was able to beat Vítkovice,” the national team goalkeeper said.
The Vítkovice floorball team experienced a bittersweet outcome in the Champions Cup final on January 24, 2026, falling to a dominant Swedish team despite a commendable run throughout the tournament. While the loss stings, the team’s advancement to the final represents a significant achievement for Czech floorball.
“When you lose in the final, it always hurts, but for us, just getting to where we did is a huge success,” said coach Jiří Velecký, acknowledging the team’s overall performance. “We won’t lie to ourselves, we wanted to play that final better. But some things that we believed would work didn’t pan out, and the result is clear. As is the strength of our opponent.”
The team had hoped to build on last year’s semi-final appearance, but ultimately fell short against a formidable opponent. Despite the defeat, players emphasized the importance of the experience for the growth of the sport in the Czech Republic.
“It’s a little bitter now, but over time we’ll realize that making it to the final is a huge success, not just for us, but for all of Czech floorball,” explained Vendula Beránková, who scored both of Vítkovice’s goals in the match. Beránková’s goals, one in the 14th minute and another in the second period, briefly challenged the Swedish team’s lead.
The Swedish team’s victory was largely attributed to the exceptional performance of twins Veera and Oona Kauppi, who scored all nine goals. Veera Kauppi, a five-time world’s best player, led the scoring with four goals and two assists, while Oona contributed two goals and three assists.
“That speaks for itself. It’s huge quality. And when you add two more Swedish national team players, that line is just from another planet,” Velecký noted. Beránková echoed this sentiment, describing the opposing players as “incredible, almost otherworldly.”
The match also featured Czech national team members Nikola Příleská and Nela Sikorová on the Vítkovice side, and Jana Christianová as a late-game substitute goalkeeper for the Swedish team. Christianová expressed her satisfaction at finally defeating Vítkovice after previous challenges with another team.
This Champions Cup final highlights the competitive landscape of international floorball and the dedication of athletes striving for excellence. The experience gained by the Vítkovice team and their Czech teammates will likely contribute to the continued development of the sport within the country.
