U19 WFCQ 2023: In Summary

Firstly, we would like to acknowledge the hard work that goes into organising a tournament like this, especially one that represents our return to international competition as a host and in the U19 Men’s category. Floorball New Zealand would like to especially thank the local organising committee of Anna Kibblewhite, Georgia Kibblewhite, and Belinda Campbell for there massive effort in organising the tournament. Thanks also to all of the many and varied volunteers without whom such an event would be impossible. Floorball New Zealand would like to extend a special thanks to IFF representative Peter Lindström, New Zealand Minister of Sport the Hon. Grant Robertson, and our referees Sharil Ismail and Oswind Rosayro.

Secondly, while we are disapointed that our team failed to qualify this time around, it is important to recognise the work that the team put in in the lead up to this competition. Players have dedicated their time, effort, and passion to representing their country and we hope that they continue striving in their development as floorball players and great representatives of New Zealand. Congratulations to all of those players who gain their first international points, blocked their first international shots, and who took on two tough opponents. Special congratulations go to the Jaidan Kesry who was awarded MVP for the game against Australia and to Kester Law who was awarded MVP against Singapore and was also recognised as New Zealand’s tournament MVP. We would also like to thank those who have supported the team’s journey; Bradley Sommerville (head coach), Christian Bertschinger (assistant coach), Angus Stallmann (assistant coach), Kelly Pickering (manager), Sian MacFadyen (manager), Tom Kibblewhite (physio).

Finally, we extend our congratulations to Singapore and Australia for qualifying for the world cup. For Singapore, this is both the first time they have attended and the first time they have qualified for the World Cup in the U19 Men’s category. We would like to thank Singapore for bringing their team to the tournament despite the time constraints of school exams and for expanding international competition in Asia-Oceania in the U19 category. For Australia this qualification marks a return to the U19 Men’s World Cup after failing to qualify in 2018. Again this is a good sign for competition in this age group in our region and shows that New Zealand must continue to meet the challenge of our rapidly developing floorball neighbours. Best of luck to both teams in Denmark.

See below a complete summary of the event resposted from the International Floorball Federation, see the original article here.

The Men’s U19 WFC 2023 AOFC Qualification event came to an end with Australia taking the 9-2 win over hosts New Zealand. This result sent Australia through to join Singapore as the two AOFC teams to qualify for the Men’s U19 World Floorball Championships 2023 in Frederikshavn, Denmark from 26th – 30th April 2023!

International floorball returned to New Zealand after a 4 year wait due to the pandemic. Wellington had also previously hosted the Men’s U19 WFC 2019 AOFC qualification event in 2018 where all 3 matches between the hosts, Japan and Australia ended in draws! This time around both Singapore and Australia finished on 3 points in the group with a win and a draw each to qualify, whilst New Zealand who battled hard and had the lead in both of their matches, fell to 2 losses.

Singapore v Australia (Game 1)

Heavy rain outside couldn’t dampen the excitement for the first night of competition in the U19 Men’s AOFC Qualification in Wellington, New Zealand. A goal from Singapore within 15 seconds set the scene for a fast physical first period. Another Singapore goal early in the second period led to more of the same frenetic pace and action for both goal keepers. Australia’s perseverance paid off in the third period with three goals in five minutes to take the lead. Singapore rallied and drew level with two minutes to go. Australia survived the last two minutes down a player to hold out for a draw. It finished 3-3.

New Zealand v Singapore (Game 2)

Excitement on the second night of competition as New Zealand scored within the first two minutes to the delight of the home crowd. Slick possession and clever screening brought Singapore even a few minutes later. New Zealand broke through for two fast goals but Singapore were quick to respond and pull one back. New Zealand scored for a fourth early in the second period, but couldn’t keep Singapore out for long as they upped the pace for four goals to move ahead. A successful penalty shot in the first few seconds of the third period allowed Singapore to pull further ahead. New Zealand were unable to make anything from three power plays or their own penalty chance. Singapore put it beyond doubt with two minutes to go. It finished New Zealand 4 – Singapore 8, sending Singapore to Denmark.

Australia v New Zealand (Game 3)

Both teams were raring to go for the final must win day of the qualifiers. It was a a nervy start with an early goal for Australia disallowed. End to end play led to New Zealand scoring from a power play in five minutes. The Australians were quick to respond and then drew ahead towards the end of the first period. Australia bagged two in quick succession early in the second period. Strong defending by the Australians meant New Zealand failed to capitalise on two stints with two extra players and breakaways led to Australia’s fifth and sixth goals. Australia extended their lead early in the third period with two further goals. Australian keeper Doyle proved strong in net and it wasn’t until he came off that the boys in black and white were able to pull one back. Australia retaliated swiftly. It finished Australia 9 – New Zealand 2 to see Australia claim the second qualification spot.

Photos from the event can be found on our Flickr (Photos taken by Masanori Udagawa)

Full match replays and highlights from each game can be found on our YouTube channel.