Floorball 4 Championship Game Preview

Here's everything you need to know in anticipation of tonight's championship game of Baggage vs Del Caribe! Tune in to see who hangs their first warehouse banner.

Championship Matchup: Team Baggage vs Del Caribe

After months of competition and dramatic playoff action, the Warehouse Games Floorball 4 tournament has reached its climax. Two teams that have never lifted a championship banner will face off in a historic final: Team Baggage versus Del Caribe.​

The Road to the Final

Regular Season Dominance

The tournament featured all eight franchise teams competing in regular season play before advancing to a playoff bracket. Team Baggage and Del Caribe both entered the playoffs having already met in the regular season, with Baggage winning their matchup 5-2 in a game that showcased the individual brilliance of Luke O’Brien, who scored four goals despite being hungover.​

Semifinal Results

Del Caribe 6, We Got Ice 3

In the first semifinal, Del Caribe pulled off what many considered an upset, defeating the top-seeded, undefeated We Got Ice. The game was evenly matched through the first period, ending 1-1 after Scout Southward scored for We Got Ice and Pavel Barber tied it for Del Caribe with a successful use of the Pavel Play.​

The second period saw Nick Bowins take over, scoring twice to give Del Caribe a 3-1 lead, though Scout cut it to 3-2. Holly Abela extended the lead to 4-2 with her third goal of the season, and Jack Doyle brought We Got Ice back within one at 4-3 heading into the third period.​

In the decisive third period, Lou Dab scored to make it 5-3, and Bowins added an empty-net hat-trick goal to seal the 6-3 victory. The win marked Del Caribe’s first-ever franchise final appearance after years of disappointment.​

Team Baggage 8, Woogas 2

The second semifinal was a defensive masterclass from Team Baggage, who employed a strategy focused on turnovers and counter-attacks. Despite Jimmy Knorp giving Woogas an early 1-0 lead with a quick free-hit goal, Luke O’Brien quickly equalized.​

From there, Baggage dominated. Luke O’Brien scored multiple goals, including one off a 70-foot shot by his brother Jimmy that he screened perfectly. Makenna Wiljanen, described as the “most underrated player in the tournament,” scored a hat-trick. The final score was 8-2, with Luke O’Brien finishing with four goals and setting a new single-season points record with 20 points (15 goals).​

Key Players and Storylines

Luke O’Brien (Team Baggage)
The tournament’s leading scorer with 15 goals and 20 points, Luke O’Brien has been unstoppable. He holds the single-season goal-scoring record and has the most hat-tricks in Warehouse Games history (seven). His partnership with brother Jimmy and Makenna Wiljanen has been the backbone of Baggage’s success.​

Jimmy O’Brien (Team Baggage)
The co-founder of the Warehouse Games and Team Baggage captain, Jimmy has been searching for his first championship banner. Known for his elite defensive play and leadership, he’s been the emotional heart of the team. His defensive mindset strategy in the semifinals proved crucial.​

Makenna Wiljanen (Team Baggage)
The all-time leading scorer at Nazareth College has been a revelation in her Warehouse debut. Despite only scoring a few goals, she’s been crucial in creating offense and playing lockdown defense. Her hat-trick in the semifinals validated her importance.​

Kane Van Gate (Team Baggage - Goalie)
The 42-year-old veteran and Floorball Season 1 champion returned after a season off. He’s provided steady goaltending and veteran leadership, doing his best Jake Storiale impression in net.

Nick Bowins (Del Caribe)
A former MVP and champion, Bowins reached 30 career goals and became the first player in Warehouse history with 50 career points during the semifinal. His three-goal performance was crucial in defeating We Got Ice.

Joez McFly (Del Caribe - Goalie)
The captain and emotional leader of Del Caribe has finally led his team to the promised land. After years of disappointment, McFly has been solid in net throughout the tournament.​

Lou Dab (Del Caribe)
The mailman delivers both packages and big goals. Known for his defensive prowess, he tied the single-season blocked shots record with 20. His timely goal in the semifinal helped seal the victory.​

Holly Abela (Del Caribe)
The 20-year-old newcomer from Northeastern University and Team Canada has been a revelation. She’s a “PK specialist” who excels at blocking shots and creating offense, with four goals on the season.​

Head-to-Head History

These teams met once in the regular season, with Baggage winning 5-2. In that game:​

• Luke O’Brien scored four goals

• Nick Bowins scored twice for Del Caribe

• The game showcased the individual talent on both sides but also defensive vulnerabilities

What Makes This Championship Special

Historic Opportunity: Neither team has won a Floorball championship at the Warehouse. Both franchises have suffered heartbreaking losses and near-misses.​

Warehouse Cup Implications: Both teams entered the season in the “skunk patch” category, having failed to score points in the previous Warehouse Cup tournaments (BB7 and BIP3). This championship guarantees points and removes that stigma.​​

Contrasting Styles:

• Baggage plays suffocating defense, forcing turnovers and scoring on counters​

• Del Caribe relies on clinical passing plays and offensive balance with all players capable of scoring​

Individual Battle: Luke O’Brien (15 goals) vs Nick Bowens (10 goals, 50 career points) in a showdown between the tournament’s top scorers.​

Key Tactical Elements to Watch

Baggage’s Defensive System: They play as if they’re always down a player, focusing on defensive structure and capitalizing on mistakes. Jimmy O’Brien and Makenna Wiljanen provide elite defense while Luke roams for scoring chances.​

Del Caribe’s Passing Game: They excel at creating open shots through patient ball movement. Holly Abela’s ability to find seams and Nick Bowins’ finishing make them dangerous.​

Goalie Battle: Kane Van Gate hasn’t faced many shots this tournament due to Baggage’s defense, while Joez McFly has been tested more frequently and proven himself under pressure.​

The Emotional Stakes

For Jimmy O’Brien, this represents potentially his best chance at a championship. As the co-founder looking up at the rafters with no baggage banner, the pressure is immense. For Del Caribe, after years of being “laughing stocks,” they’re finally one game away from redemption.​

See you in the chat at 7:30pm ET tonight!