Sweden's U20 ice hockey team has reached the final of the World Junior Championship after a thrilling penalty shootout win over Finland in the semifinal. Czech Republic stands as the final obstacle to a historic third gold medal. Former gold heroes urge the team to seize the moment.
Sweden's junior ice hockey team has battled its way to the final of the World Junior Championship, a tournament where the squad has grown stronger with each match. The semifinal against Finland was decided in a penalty shootout after a nerve-wracking contest, reminiscent of past championship dramas.
Former coach Roger Rönnberg, who led the team to gold in 2012 after an overtime victory over Russia, sees parallels with this year's roster. “A similar courage is emerging in this year's team. The mental strength – the tougher it got, the better they became,” he says. One of the 2012 gold heroes, Petter Granberg, emphasizes the team's unity: “We really did something big together that created bonds and lifelong memories. This group feels the same. They've had to fight a bit along the way too, that builds the team. It's really time now.”
The opponent is Czech Republic, which eliminated Canada in its semifinal and is described as the tournament's most uncomfortable team to face. Former coach Pär Mårts, with three junior-VM silvers and a World Championship gold with the senior team, warns: “Win the battle in front of both nets. A bit clichéd, but that's how goals are scored. Czech Republic plays powerfully and directly, their hockey is heavier. I'm raising a warning finger for the Czechs. Sweden must play its best game last.”
Sweden has only two previous JVM golds, in 1981 and 2012. Rönnberg and Mårts discuss the reasons: young players are emotional and need luck, while Sweden's inclusive sports model – which includes everyone – may hinder wins compared to the tougher climates in countries like Finland and Czech Republic. Puck drop in the final is at 02:30 Swedish time.
Recent JVM winners: 2025 USA, 2024 USA, 2023 Canada, 2022 Canada, 2021 USA, 2020 Canada, 2019 Finland. Sweden's placements: 2025 4th, 2024 silver, 2023 4th, 2022 bronze, 2021 5th, 2020 bronze, 2019 5th, 2018 silver.
