Teenagers including Nikita Bergmann, Reka Hiezl, Emma Lintner, Hilda Svensson, and Jenna Raunio made an impact at the Olympic Qualifying tournament.

Dozens of teenagers played a significant role for their nations at the Olympic Qualifier tournaments for the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Games. Here's a look at some of the top teenage performers who could step into even bigger roles for their nations moving forward.

Hilda Svensson, Ebba Hedqvist, Mira Hallin, Jenna Raunio Impact Sweden

Sweden's 2006 age group has evolved into something special, and the impact this group has made is undeniable. Hilda Svensson is so in control of the play, the pace, and the puck that she can create any time she's on the ice. She sees the ice as well as just about anybody in the game and had three points in three games. Jenna Raunio scored twice in the deciding win over Denmark, and had four points in three games. Both Raunio and Svensson are headed to Ohio State. Hedqvist and Hallin play with pace, and are equally effective on both sides of the puck. The future continues to look bright for Sweden. When you throw in Mira Jungaker who remains a teen on Sweden's blueline despite being a veteran presence, and you can see the strength of Sweden's youth.

Slovakia's Teens Are The Future, But Couldn't Change The Present

Many placed unrealistic expectations on 2008 born Nela Lopusanova and 2007 born Ema Tothova. Both are the future core of Slovakia's hopes, but couldn't change their fate this year, and you could see their frustration. Michaela Paulinyova is another teen headed to the NCAA next season with Lindenwood. There's a lot of youth in Slovakia's pool, which will make the team far more competitive at the 2030 qualifiers.

Nikita Bergmann Is Already The Great Dane

Denmark said goodbye to the nation's all-time best player Josefine Jakobsen recently as she called it a career, and Nicoline Jensen's career is winding down as well. The good news for Denmark, however, is that the best player on the ice for Denmark at the Olympic Qualifiers was 16-year-old Nikita Bergmann. It was hard not to notice the 5-foot-10 forward who showed he speed, vision, and physicality. Bergmann will be a top player in Europe soon, and will likely have NCAA programs lining up for her services. She needs to go to North America, and if she does, she could someday become the first Danish player in the PWHL.

The Next In Austria's Lineup

PWHL players Theresa Schafzahl and Anna Meixner were Austria's top threats, but there's a another player on the rise in 16-year-old Emma Lintner. She's already playing in North America with Stanstead College, and the 5-foot-10 forward didn't look out of place on Austria's top line. She was a force for Austria at the U-18 level, and looks like another NCAA prospect for the nation. She's not alone as Laura Nagy also showed well for Austria, and she's headed to Long Island in the NCAA next season.

Hungary's Youth Are Coming Along

The EWHL's recent improvement is paying dividends for nations like Hungary. There were several teenagers in Hungary's roster, none more impactful than forward Rekz Hiezl who was one of Hungary's top forwards and top scorers despite the fact she's only 15-years-old. She's a dynamic forward who led Hungary to promotion at the Division 1A U-18 Worlds recently. She was joined by fellow 2009 born Hungarian Lili Hajdu who patrolled Hungary's blueline at the event and is already playing regular minutes in the EWHL and DFEL this season.