1985 FIB WORLD CUP LJUSDAL

Ljusdal, Sweden

1985 meant several news for the World Cup tournament in Ljusdal. The match times were extended from 2×30 min to 2×35 and ice preparation between each match. That meant more than 32 hours of bandy in less than three days.

There were, however, two other factors which made it feared that there would be less audience interest than normal. The opening of the World Cup 1985 was held with pomp and circumstance in a packed Ljusdal church. The opening speaker was Staffan Söderlund, chairman of the International Bandy Federation.

IF BOLTIC WON THE TOURNAMENT – BUT HOW DID
EVERYTHING HAPPEN?

Boltic strangely managed to meander their way through the group stage and playoffs through some really strange matches. The team won the “group final” against Russian Zorkij 5-4. Then the strange began when Boltic on the night between Friday and Saturday met Ale/Surte. For the first time ever, Surte beats Boltic in a competitive match, 5-4, and no one in Ljusdal who wakes up on Saturday morning can believe their eyes. Boltic is playing itself out of the playoffs.
Above all, somewhat surprised players wake up in Zorkij who suddenly see the chance appear again for a group victory. Norwegian Stabæk should not be a problem for the Russians. It won’t be a problem either. Zorkij wins with a whopping 13-0. Ale/Surte then do what they can for the afternoon match against Zorkij. But the team can’t resist and the Russians win 6-2 and the road is open to group victory…if not…

At midnight, the night before Sunday, everything is decided. Boltic has a seemingly impossible task ahead against Stabaek. Boltic must win by 16 goals against the Norwegians. Seemingly impossible anyway. But the impossible is rolled up for the night crowd around the Idrottsparken. Only 7-0 at half-time, so it probably won’t work anyway. But in the last minute of the match, Bengt “Pinnen” Ramström makes it 17-0 and the celebrations knows no bounds in the Boltic dressing room after the match.

Later on Sunday, Boltic will face a rested Motala in the semi-finals. 4-1 victory and suddenly Boltic was in the final, also against the Russian big team Yenisei who went through the group stage without losing a single point and easily eliminated Broberg in the semi-final with 8-0.

The final was dramatic. After 1-1 at halftime, the second half gave no goals and the match had to be decided by extra time and Golden Goal. Peter Olsson became Boltic’s match hero and the team was unlikely winners of the 1985 World Cup.