– Too good to meet each other in the quarterfinals – VG

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– It is very special, but a little fun even then. Two years without playoffs, and then to get them in the quarter … Then just jump right into it. It is very, very fun, says Vålerenga coach Espen “Shampo” Knutsen to VG before the meeting with arch-rival Storhamar already in the NM quarterfinals. This is actually the first time they have met in a playoff context in eight years.

In a historical perspective, the settlements between these two teams are among the largest found in Norwegian ice hockey. Vålerenga and Storhamar have met in eight finals and eight semifinals in the NC finals in the last 30 years.

– I grew up with these derbies, so it will be very special, says Storhamar captain Patrick Thoresen and thus calls the meeting with the Oslo rival a “derby”.

– I think both teams know the level of ignition that comes in these settlements. We know this during series games as well. When we meet Vålerenga, there is something extra. Without saying anything ugly about the other teams, the matches between Vålerenga and Storhamar are the biggest settlement, no matter how they are on the table.

Over the last 30 years, Vålerenga and Storhamar have together won the playoffs 17 times – Vålerenga ten victories, Storhamar seven. That they meet as early as in the quarterfinals has only happened once in this period (2012).

– There are two teams that are too good to meet each other in the quarterfinals. Two teams that have struggled a lot with injuries all season, says “Shampoo”.

– It is clear to get into the new Jordal is cool, and then I hope that Vålerenga hopefully manages to attract its own supporters as well, so that it is not just yellow and blue. So I hope people can tear themselves free from their sofas and fill both halls, says Storhamar captain Thoresen, who had his heyday in Salavat Yulaev and SKA St. Petersburg in the Russian league.

– There have been many hate settlements and a lot of shit between the clubs. It has built up over many years. There are two greats in Norwegian hockey who bark at each other, says the Vålerenga coach, with a strong past in the NHL and especially in the Columbus Blue Jackets.

PS! Vålerenga-Storhamar starts on Sunday at 17.30. You can watch it on TV 2 Play.

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