Floorball star Eliska Krupnova lights up S’pore league in month-long stint with Wondersticks

SINGAPORE – While it has been only two weeks since Eliska Krupnova joined Singapore Floorball Premier League (SFL) side Wondersticks, the 2020 world’s best female floorball player has lit up the league in more ways than one.

In her three matches, the 31-year-old Czech has scored three goals and conjured five assists, with teammates saying that they are more “motivated” and opponents even asking for photos with her.

Wondersticks captain Tiffany Ong said of Krupnova’s addition on a month-long stint: “Definitely a lot of positive things, when she came, the vibe really changed.

“We had lost a game, the first game that we lost since last season, we were all feeling down... when she came, everyone was just really motivated.

“It also helps that she’s very positive and she’s very encouraging to the team.”

With the import in their ranks, Wondersticks finished second in the 14-team league and have qualified for the ongoing semi-final play-offs.

Krupnova had announced her retirement from the sport in June but made a U-turn after receiving a fateful call from Wondersticks chief executive Norani Zaini in July.

The pair had met in Sweden in April, when Norani suggested as a joke that Krupnova should play in Singapore one day, after she had retired.

That idea stuck in the former Czech Republic captain’s mind.

She said: “The funny thing is that it was actually Norani who called me, I had these thoughts, but I didn’t make contact.

“That was a signal for me as well. I had these thoughts, but they made the move.

“I just thought it’s destiny.”

And a few Zoom calls and discussions later, Krupnova and the club worked out the arrangements for the Singapore stint.

Norani said: “When I saw her retirement (announcement), I thought it’s the best deal to get her.

“We pay for her flight and accommodation here... at least she feels like, ‘they’re taking care of me, so I will give my best and share the knowledge’ with us.”

Krupnova, who works as a pharmaceutical supply manager, said she was able to work out a remote-work arrangement with her company while she is here.

“I was able to combine work with staying here, adjusting to the European business hours and work in the afternoon. So usually I’m free in the mornings to go for hikes and explore nature,” she added.

When asked whether local players are good enough for European leagues, Krupnova said: “The intensity and physicality of the games, those are really different, the technical skills as well.

“I like the commitment and ambition (here). I think the team goes into the games wanting to win and at the same time, to have fun.

“I definitely see potential in players here, but of course, it’s a development journey. Some of the players here have been in Sweden to train and play. I think this is definitely a good initiative and a really good start, because potentially, the move can be more permanent.”

However, she noted the difference in training intensity in Singapore as she was used to training up to five times a week during her time as a professional player with Pixbo Wallenstam in Sweden, where she finished her career.

She added: “I was surprised by the system here, that the national team trains three times together, while Wondersticks train only twice.

“I find that quite strange, because then it’s only the selected players that develop, while maybe the teams don’t have as much time in the training process.”

The SFL remains an amateur league, with players committed to studies or work, while clubs also find it hard to book courts that are suitable for floorball training.

Despite their limited time together, Krupnova’s presence has motivated teammate and national player Ayunnie Fahmi.

The 19-year-old said: “I didn’t really have much interaction with Eliska. But I found her very bubbly and very approachable. I got nervous at first, but eventually she made me feel comfortable.”

Wondersticks coach Saravanan Rajamanikam feels that Krupnova is a “good addition”.

He said: “Players are looking up to her, and they’re learning a lot of things from her. It’s also a learning curve for me and the learning never stops.

“We are sharing a lot of ideas on how to develop our young generation for the future of floorball.”

Krupnova is also open to the idea of playing here next season but it will depend on a few factors.

She said: “It would be a huge decision. But if the move makes sense as a whole, (finding) a job that develops my career, financial perspective as well as having a place to stay, then I’m open to it, but it’s not an easy thing to do.”