Djurgården goalkeeper Magnus Hellberg, fresh off winning SHL's best goaltender award, is preparing for a potential third World Championship appearance with Tre Kronor. The 35-year-old has not played in over five weeks but joined the national team after welcoming a new daughter. He expressed optimism about securing a roster spot.
Magnus Hellberg has been sidelined for more than five weeks since Djurgården's SHL quarterfinal loss to Malmö on March 21. During that time, the nearly two-meter tall goalkeeper turned 35, earned his third award of the season—SHL's best goaltender—alongside the Honken Trophy and Årets järnkamin, and became a father again to daughter Tuva, born March 31. Hellberg told Hockeynews, “Self-evidently incredibly fun. A huge honor considering all the good goaltenders in the league.” He views the accolades as confirmation of a strong season with the promoted Djurgården side that reached the playoffs. Hellberg initially spent time in a “baby bubble” with his family before committing to Tre Kronor preparations. “My spontaneous thought when they called was: Incredibly fun. But we have a newborn at home so I need to take a lap with the family,” he said. After discussions with partner Emma, he joined the camp, prioritizing the chance to represent Sweden. Now competing for a World Championship spot—his third if selected—Hellberg feels he has “a good chance,” drawing on his 2018 gold medal win in Copenhagen. With Jacob Markström sidelined by injury and Arvid Söderblom arriving from Chicago, competition intensifies. “I take it one week at a time and try to do the best I can,” Hellberg added. At 35, he is among the oldest in a Tre Kronor squad featuring six teenagers, including 18-year-old Djurgården debutant Viggo Björck.
