Sweden is perhaps the women's hockey nation experiencing the biggest upswing and growth. The country has waves of young talent coming up, and with the second best pro league in the world within their borders, the development pathway is clear.
Sweden will look to finish higher than they ever have at the 2026 Olympics. Unfortunately for Sweden, the Olympics is still holding onto the antiquated tiered system of women's hockey tournaments, which puts Sweden at a disadvantage in their hopes to play for a medal. But Sweden can still show they're getting stronger, and could give a scare to one of the world's top teams.
How will their roster at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics look?
Goaltending Decisions Loom
While Emma Soderberg has been Sweden's unquestioned starter in recent seasons, that is unlikely to be the case in 2026. Soderberg struggled in her two seasons in the PWHL, partially because she didn't get into many games. She's returning to Sweden this offseason to get starts, and it could result in a more confident game-ready goalie. If she continues to struggle, Lisa Jönsson is Sweden's best option, but Sweden has ignored the up-and-coming star, so don't count on her to be selected no matter how strongly she plays this year with Northeastern. Ida Boman is the likely replacement with youngster Ebba Svensson Träff close behind. Sweden is doing their national team a disservice by not nurturing the development of Jönsson. Will they reverse course in time for the 2026 Games?
The Picks: Emma Soderberg, Lisa Jönsson, Ida Boman
Defensive Depth A Work In Progress
While Sweden is bringing along a wealth of forwards, their defensive depth remains a question mark. Maja Nylen Persson and Anna Kjellbin are the anchors of the unit, with young defenders Jenna Raunio and Mira Jungaker ready to play more. If these two continue their development and upward trajectories, this group could be one of the better international groups in a few years. Similar to Jönsson, Sweden has shunned her Northeastern teammate Tuva Kandell, who would be a strong addition to their blueline, and will be a cornerstone in the future. Ida Karlsson is a solid blueliner from Minnesota-Duluth, and Emma Forsgren continues to get better playing domestically in the SDHL. She's a defender PWHL teams could look at in the coming seasons. Paula Bergstrom is another Swedish blueliner who could get PWHL looks. Sweden seems to be intent on more SDHL content on their blueline, meaning Annie Silen and Linnea Andersson are names to follow, while they also had 18-year-old Nellie Svensson at their camp, who has a ton of upside.
The Picks: Maja Nylen Persson, Anna Kjellbin, Mira Jungaker, Jenna Raunio, Emma Forsgren, Ida Karlsson, Paula Bergstrom, Tuva Kandell.
Balanced Attack And Youth On The Way
By 2030, Sweden's forward group has the potential to challenge any in Europe. This time around, they'll compete hard, and outscore the competition in Group B, but will struggle to get their chances against the top nations. Lina Ljungblom and Sara Hjalmarsson will bring their PWHL experience to the table up front, and the team will get veteran contributions from Hanna Olsson. Hanna Thuvik is one of Sweden's top players up front, combining youth and experience, which could also be said for Hilda Svensson who will test her game at Ohio State this season. NCAA standouts Thea Johansson and Josefine Bouveng and sooner or later, Nicole Hall will join that group, although it may not be for 2026. Sweden will also likely bring SDHL players like Sofie Lundin, Linnea Johansson, and youngsters Mira Hallin and Ebba Hedqvist. Beyond this core, the competition looks to be between Hall, Elin Svensson, Lova Blom, Wilma Sundin, Edit Danielsson, and Isabelle Leijonhielm. Veteran Lisa Johansson shouldn't be counted out if Sweden feels they need leadership in a depth role.
The Picks: Lina Ljungblom, Hanna Olsson, Sara Hjalmarsson, Hilda Svensson, Josefin Bouveng, Thea Johansson, Sofie Lundin, Hanna Thuvik, Linnea Johansson, Ebba Hedqvist, Mira Hallin, Elin Svensson, Nicole Hall
Potential Roster
Hilda Svensson - Sara Hjalmarsson - Lina Ljungblom
Thea Johansson - Hanna Olsson - Hanna Thuvik
Mira Hallin - Sofie Lundin - Josefin Bouveng
Nicole Hall - Ebba Hedqvist - Linnea Johansson
Elin Svensson
Maja Nylen Persson - Mira Jungaker
Jenna Raunio - Anna Kjellbin
Emma Forsgren - Ida Karlsson
Paula Bergstrom - Tuva Kandell
Emma Soderberg - Lisa Johnsson - Ida Boman
Predicting Canada's Olympic Roster Ahead Of 2026
The 2026 Olympics in Milano Cortina will be significant for women's hockey in a number of ways. First, it will be the final Olympics for many superstars of the game including USA's Hilary Knight, who formally announced 2026 will be her final Olympics. Second, it's the first Olympic Games of the PWHL era.
