Sweden made an exceptional decision: this is what the World Cup team looks like!
The Swedish national ice hockey team is heading to the World Championships in Switzerland with a group that combines experienced NHL players and younger prospects.
The team includes a total of 11 NHL players, eight playing in the SHL, and six players from the Swiss top league. Among the experienced names are Lucas Raymond, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Mattias Ekholm.
There are also exceptionally many young players who have quickly risen to the international top. From the team that won the under-20 World Championship last winter, Viggo Björck, Ivar Stenberg, Anton Frondell, Jack Berglund, and Love Härenstam have made it to the World Championships.
Head coach Sam Hallam emphasizes the team’s balance between experience and youth, as well as the smoothness of their preparation.
– The team has several newcomers from different age groups, such as 32-year-old Oscar Sundqvist and 18-year-old Viggo Björck. The team also has plenty of experience. We are satisfied with the preparation, and most of the team has gotten to know each other in recent weeks, Hallam said in a statement from the Swedish Ice Hockey Association.
Sweden’s World Championship tournament starts on Friday with a match against Canada.
Sweden’s World Championship Team
Goalkeepers
Arvid Söderblom, Chicago Blackhawks
Magnus Hellberg, Djurgårdens IF
Love Härenstam, Södertälje SK
Defenders
Jacob Larsson, SC Rapperswil-Jona Lakers
Robert Hägg, Brynäs IF
Mattias Ekholm, Edmonton Oilers
Oliver Ekman Larsson, Toronto Maple Leafs
Erik Brännström, Lausanne HC
Albert Johansson, Detroit Red Wings
Tim Heed, HC Ambri-Piotta
Joel Persson, Växjö Lakers HC
Forwards
Isac Hedqvist, Luleå HF
Linus Karlsson, Vancouver Canucks
Simon Holmström, New York Islanders
Lucas Raymond, Detroit Red Wings
Jack Berglund, Philadelphia Flyers
Anton Frondell, Chicago Blackhawks
André Petersson, SCL Tigers
Oskar Sundqvist, St Louis Blues
Jakob Silfverberg, Brynäs IF
Ivar Stenberg, Frölunda HC
Emil Heineman, New York Islanders
Viggo Björck, Djurgårdens IF
Rasmus Asplund, HC Davos
Jacob de la Rose, HC Fribourg-Gottéron
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