After winning silver at the U-18 World Championships, a Swedish women's World Junior roster would be a talent filled group ready to contend for a medal.
After winning silver at the U-18 World Championships, a Swedish women's World Junior roster would be a talent filled group ready to contend for a medal.
Sweden managed a historic silver medal at the women's U-18 World Championship, showing the strength of their next generation.
The SDHL and NDHL's pilot program introducing body checking was a huge success this season, and Sweden will now extend it to the junior ranks, which will produce a more physical and competitive wave of prospects. The biggest loss for Sweden's future was Mira Markstrom choosing floorball, and leaving hockey.
If a 2023-2024 World Junior tournament were scheduled, Sweden would be one of the top contenders, paced by star Hilda Svensson. Here's a look at what Sweden's women's World Junior roster could look like.
Forwards
Let's start with the sure things. Hilda Svensson (2006) has emerged as one of the best young players on the planet, starring for Sweden not only at the U-18 level, but this past season at the World Championships scoring an incredible 11 points in seven games as a 17-year-old. She'd be joined up front by senior national teammate Ebba Hedqvist (2006), MoDo's Mira Hallin (2006), and Nicole Hall (2004), who is having a breakout season for MoDo, and has skated with the national team at recent European competitions. Other players certain to join a Swedish women's World Junior roster would be Merrimack College forward Emma Pfeffer (2004) and Brynas' Stella Lindell (2005). Sara Lindqvist (2005), Isabelle Leijonhielm (2006), and Edit Danielsson (2007), would be safe bets for another trio of positions, while players like Emilia Hallbeck (2006), Moa Gustafsson (2005), Klara Kenttälä (2004), Linnea Adelbertsson (2004), Stina Andersson (2005), Ella Hellman (2006), and Julia Perjus (2004) would be in the mix. Youngster Tilde Grillfors (2008) is another name to watch.
Defenders
Sweden has one of the best defenders in the world in Mira Jungåker (2005), who was the key to Sweden's historic U-18 Worlds silver, and on Sweden's senior national team. She's headed to North America next season to play for Ohio State. Joining Jungåker on a strong Swedish blueliner would be HV71's Jenna Raunio (2006), along with current NCAA players Sofia Ljung (2004) of Mercyhurst, and Minnesota-Duluth's Ida Karlsson (2004). Rounding out Sweden's blueline would be SDHL standouts Astrid Lindeberg (2005) and Tuva Kandell (2004). Other defenders including Emma Goding (2005) and Linnea Natt och Dag (2006) could also claim depth spots.
Goalies
Like the blueline, Sweden has a plethora of options in net and could arrive at any tournament three deep. Ebba Svensson Traff (2004), who is Linkoping's starter this year and saw time with Sweden's senior national team at European competition, has been a standout this year and would be a likely starter. Lisa Jonsson (2004) would certainly take the other spot in net for Sweden, while their third goaltending position could go to Felicia Frank (2005), Lovisa Lundstrom (2006), or Maja Helge (2007)