Västerås IK defeated Treja-Ljungby 4-3 in match five of the Hockeyallsvenskan qualification series, clinching the series 4-1 and remaining in the league while Treja drops to Hockeyettan. Captain Konstantin Komarek scored twice, contributing eight points overall. Treja coach Magnus Sundquist praised his players despite the loss.
The decisive game five took place in Västerås, where the home team overcame an early deficit. Treja struck first, but Oscar Lawner and Carl Jakobsson set up a power play leading to Komarek's tying goal at 1-1, his third of the series. A controversial 'ghost goal' by Ludvig Warg gave Treja a 2-1 lead after video review confirmed it over a minute after the shot, as no one initially reacted, according to Warg in TV4: 'det såg ut som den gick in men ingen annan reagerade.' Västerås quickly equalized on another power play with Viktor Johansson's 2-2 goal, followed by Komarek's 3-2 tally assisted by Lawner and Jimmie Jansson Lorek. Henrik Malmström extended the lead to 4-2, before Warg's late 4-3 reply. Goaltender Oliver Håkanson was pivotal for VIK, providing stability throughout the series. Treja's Albin Nilsson suffered a knee injury scare but returned for the second period. Crowd support reached 3,299 spectators, boosting the atmosphere. Post-match, Komarek expressed mixed emotions: 'Man är glad nu och lättad... Men samtidigt så var det varken planen när man gick in i den här säsongen.' He waved thanks to fans, possibly signaling his farewell after three years. Sundquist lauded his squad's resilience: 'Jag tycker vi har gjort en heroisk serie... De förtjänar bättre.' He is open to staying if Treja presents 'en seriös, förnuftig plan.' VIK avoided relegation despite a tough season.
