The ECL '22 Spring Elite Finals Preview- A New Challenger Emerges

After six months of unforgettable moments we have finally arrived at the big Final. The ECL '22 Spring journey really couldn't get a better ending. This weekend, we will crown an ECL '22 Spring Champion and our first ECL Elite Grand Champion. Will it be hREDS who have dominated the league for a couple seasons or will it be the young hungry SAWO ESPORTS who will play in their first ECL Finals.

(1)  hREDS vs SAWO ESPORTS  (3) 

TOP SCORER (Playoffs) 
Vili @Vilupoika Häkkinen 9 GP, 12+9=21 vs Jere @jxrska Laukka 13 GP, 11+6=17 

GOALTENDER (Playoffs) 

Filip @Faze91- Azri 9 GP, 8 W, 86,9 SV%, 1.22 GAA, 3 SO vs Niklas @uhNikke Nieminen 13 GP,8 W, 77,78%, 2.00 GAA, 1 SO 

REGULAR SEASON RECORD 
26-2-2 vs 21-7-2 

REGULAR SEASON SERIES 
3-0, 3-2OT 
 

Once again, we get to watch hREDS in the ECL Elite Finals. By winning the ECL 22 Winter season they already punched their ticket to the Grand Finals but now they practically have two opportunities to win the ECL Grand Finals. In the Semifinals, hREDS didn’t get the start they wanted as the first game went 4-0 for GOONS but like we have seen before, the back-to-back champions won't let it get to them when things don’t go in their favor. They bounced back by winning four straight on their way to the 4th consecutive Finals for them. The upcoming finals are the first time for the predators were they aren't playing against Frölunda HC. Right now it feels like it's impossible to stop these guys as they have so much power and skill all around the ice. Once again many different guys have been stepping up whenever needed and there is no reason why that wouldn't continue when we arrive at the biggest games of the season. All three of their forwards can be found in the top 5, Vili @Vilupoika Häkkinen keeping the number one spot. This club really has shown no weaknesses.

If you have to choose one team which really has bumped up their game it would definitely be SAWO ESPORTS. Their ECL '22 Winter playoffs disappointment has really been forgotten for these guys and they have made their way to the Finals for the first time ever. In the Quarterfinals they were able to close the series against HAVU Gaming nicely but in the Semifinals they got the next level. SAWO was able to beat Frölunda HC in a thrilling game 7 overtime. If you talk about this season's biggest surprises that was one the biggest ones because it also ended Frölunda's magical streak of consecutive Finals appearances. Before the Semifinals, we speculated about SAWO's firepower and how that nearly always comes from the wingers. That thing changed as when the goal was needed we saw both Teemu @Teemuyy Polttila and Tomi @tombo_02(tomboo-_-) Laitinen taking a big role. @tombo_02 scored the overtime game winning goal in game 6 as his defensive pair did the same in the legendary game 7. Winning his old team in the Semifinals made it extra tasty for @Teemuyy and with that goal he continued his own Finals appearance stream. His battles against old clubs won't end there for him as he started his streak in the hREDS jersey. 

Many doors are closing with this Final series. For the first time in ages there are no HAVU or Frölunda in the final two and we are witnessing the back-to-back Champion going against the young hungry talents for the European Championship. SAWO has now gained that much needed experience from being able to seal the deal in a tough spot. Winning Frölunda was already an amazing performance but is there enough hunger left to climb an even bigger hill than their Semifinal opponent was. The goaltending battle will once again play a huge part. We saw how Niklas @uhNikke Nieminen was able to keep up his level in the overtime games against Frölunda but in the finals he is facing Filip @Faze91- Azri, who has so far in his career always played even better in the Finals than in normal games. If we imagine that SAWO would win the ECL '22 Spring Championship they would have momentum going to the Grand Finals because there is only one day to reset in between. The Grand Finals would be incredible to see but hREDS is looking as strong as ever right now and there should be no challengers able to stand up to them. The predators will win their third ECL title in a row and become first Grand Champion in ECL history in 5 games. 

When?
Friday, June 17th 19:30 CEST (Games 1-2)
Saturday, June 18th 18:45 CEST (Games 3-7)
Sunday, June 19th 20:30 CEST (ECL '22 Grand Finals)*

Where?
Helsinki, Finland - Narinkkatori
www.twitch.tv/SportsGamerGG

You'll find us at the SportsGamer truck parked at Narinkkatori, the event is hosted in cooperation with St Hockey and besides their St Hockey Tour opening weekend event. Entry is free.