DRAFT PROSPECTS HOCKEY

Tag: Tre Kronor

  • Sweden Tops Rival Finland to Finish World Junior Showcase

    Team Sweden defeated Team Finland 5-2 on the final day of World Junior Summer Showcase action.

    Both Kevin Törnblom and Patrik Kerkola made their Showcase debuts in today’s rivalry game. Kerkola is the projected starter for Finland’s official World Junior team while Törnblom is expected to serve as the backup to Love Härenstam.

    The game started hot, with both teams generating chances early. Viktor Klingsell opened the scoring on the power play, firing one over the shoulder of Kerkola to give Sweden the 1-0 lead.

    Jeremi Virtanen responded shortly after, cutting in from the halfwall off the rush, beating the Swedish defender to the inside and scoring to tie the game at 1.

    From there, Finland took control of the game until a stroke of bad luck: an Alexander Command shot deflected off the visor of Jesper Kotajärvi and trickled into the net. Just 43 seconds later, Filip Ekberg scored on the doorstep off a beautiful no-look pass from Torkel Jennersjö to make it 3-1. 

    Needing a spark, Finland opened up offensively in the third. Sweden took full advantage with Jennersjö tipping a William Håkansson point shot past Kerkola to extend the lead to 4-1. 

    Finland continued to push, generating several high-quality chances, including a goal that was called back for goaltender interference, but couldn’t capitalize. Isac Nilsson added an empty-netter to seal the win for Sweden before Vilho Vanhatalo added a late tally with 66 seconds remaining. Sweden claimed the 5–2 victory as both teams wrapped up the showcase.

    After dropping their first two showcase games against USA White and USA Blue, Sweden bounced back in a big way, winning three straight against Canada, USA (Merged), and Finland. They will look to carry that momentum into December’s IIHF World Junior Championship.

    Standouts: 

    D Vertti Svensk (Finland | Los Angeles Kings)

    It’s hard to believe Svensk didn’t log a point today. He was a relentless engine in the offensive zone, once again showcasing the high-end speed that’s defined his tournament. That pace translated to the defensive end as well, where he shut down gaps quickly and disrupted Sweden’s attack. Coming in, he felt like a lock for December’s roster; his Showcase performance sealed the deal.

    G Kevin Törnblom (Sweden | 2027 Draft Eligible)

    In his lone appearance of the tournament, Törnblom impressed. He stopped everything expected of him and made several high-quality saves to keep Sweden alive early in the second period. While Sweden’s World Junior goaltending room is crowded with Måns Goos and Love Härenstam also in the mix, Törnblom continues to stay in the conversation, especially coming off a gold-medal run at the U18 World Championships, where he played in all seven games.

    F Torkel Jennersjö (Sweden | 2027 Draft Eligible)

    For a guy who wasn’t expected to make the WJC team for Sweden, Jennersjö has certainly turned some heads over these last 2 games. Tallying another goal and primary assist to add to a strong defensive performance, Jennersjö has earned a closer look for the Swedes. He will close the tournament with 3 goals and an assist in his final 2 games.

    F Jeremi Virtanen (Finland | 2027 Draft Eligible)

    Virtanen was a standout for Team Finland today, scoring the tying goal in the first period on a strong cutback move using his size to get in tight before finishing. Beyond the offensive production, he played a quiet, reliable defensive game and consistently broke up plays in passing lanes. Finishing the World Junior Summer Showcase with four points (2G, 2A), we will see if he has done enough to secure a spot on December’s 25-man roster.

  • Sweden Scores Five Unanswered in Comeback Victory Over Team USA

    Team Sweden defeated Team USA 5-2 in comeback fashion on Day 4 of the World Junior Summer Showcase.

    Sweden started red-hot in the opening frame, generating several high-quality chances while outshooting Team USA 10-3, but the game remained scoreless.

    In the second period, the Americans bounced back in a big way. Carter Amico appeared to open the scoring when he found the back of the net on a long-range shot, but the goal was quickly called back due to a crease violation. 

    Undeterred, Team USA kept the pressure on and capitalized on two quick goals shortly after. LJ Mooney put the US on the board with his first goal of the showcase on a play in tight, roofing the puck over the goaltender. Just 38 seconds later, Nick Bogas beat Måns Goos with a wrist shot from the point to give the Americans a 2-0 lead.

    Sweden refused to back down, though. Linus Funck found the back of the net through a heavy screen on the power play, bringing Sweden back within a goal before the end of the second period.

    Early in the third, Team USA earned an extended 5-on-3 power play, but Sweden successfully killed it off. The momentum generated by that kill carried over immediately: Funck scored his second of the game shortly after, rifling one over the shoulder of Ryan Cameron to tie it up. Torkel Jennersjö then won a faceoff draw and capitalized to give Sweden its first lead of the contest.

    Two late empty-net goals from Leo Sundqvist and Jennersjö sealed the 5-2 victory for Sweden.

    Both teams will enjoy a day off tomorrow before the final day of Showcase action on Saturday, where Sweden will face Finland and the Americans will take on Canada.

    Standouts:

    G Ryan Cameron (USA | Edmonton Oilers)

    Not dressed in yesterday’s game, we weren’t sure if Cameron would be on the official US merged roster, but given the start today, we were quickly reminded why he deserved to be. Cameron displayed strong lateral movement and made several A-grade saves throughout the game, helping the US survive the Swedish onslaught, especially during that tough first period. 

    F Torkel Jennersjö (SWE | 2027 Draft Eligible)

    Jennersjö was just about everywhere today. Finding the scoresheet, he jammed one home in the dirty area while also tallying an empty-net goal in which he outskated the American defender the full length of the ice. On the defensive side, he looked strong as well, rarely being caught out of position on the wing and getting into the lanes when needed.

    D Henry Brzustewicz (USA | Los Angeles Kings)

    It was another strong day for Brzustewicz in this one. He hasn’t found his offensive game quite like we’d expect, but his defensive work has more than made up for it. With Chase Reid and Tommy Bleyl likely driving the offensive opportunities for the American blueline, Brzustewicz playing a steady, reliable defensive game could be the exact reason he makes the final roster in December.

    D Linus Funck (SWE | Colorado Avalanche)

    By way of scoring two big goals for Team Sweden, Funck is an obvious standout from today. A guy who isn’t well known for an offensive goal-scoring presence, Funck really stepped up today while also playing a solid defensive game. 

  • Sweden Defeats Canada in First Win At Summer Showcase

    Sweden won their first game of the World Junior Summer Showcase, taking down Canada 5-3 in a back-and-forth game.

    For Canada, it was their first game of the tournament, while Sweden had already played twice, losing to USA Blue 6-1 and then USA White 6-4.

    The game started quickly for both sides, trading chance after chance. Jimmy Lombardi got on the board first for Canada with a nice move in front of the net to make it 1-0 Canada.

    With Canada on the power play and only 3 seconds left on the clock, Milton Gastrin scored shorthanded after Jackson Smith had his stick implode trying to force the puck up the middle.

    The offence continued into the second as 1:15 into the frame, Tynan Lawrence sniped it home on the same power play to give Canada back the lead.

    Filip Ekberg had the response for the Swedes, banking one off of Brek Liske’s skate and into the net.

    In the third, Ethan Belchetz tipped one home in his return to the WFCU Centre, where he played 2 seasons with the Windsor Spitfires.

    Elton Hermansson scored his first of the tournament on the power play, sniping it top shelf over the glove of Samuel Meloche. 

    The Swedes didn’t let up. Theo Stockselius fired one from distance, tipping off of Jackson Smith’s stick and past Meloche in net.

    Stockselius later scored on the empty net to give Sweden their first win of the Showcase.

    Extra Time:

    Both teams agreed to play overtime and a shootout given the Showcase style of this tournament.

    After a back-and-forth frame, Braeden Cootes scored the overtime-winning goal to give Canada some satisfaction.

    In the shootout frame, Sweden won 2-0 with goals from Elton Hermansson and Viktor Klingsell. Isak Sorqvist for Sweden was tremendous in the shootout, stopping all 4 shooters he faced.

    Sweden will play Team USA tomorrow at 3 p.m. EDT/ 9 p.m. CEST, while Canada will take on Finland at 7 p.m. EDT.

    Standouts:

    F Caleb Malhotra (CAN | Vancouver Canucks)

    Malhotra showed exactly why Vancouver selected him third overall. Although he didn’t find the scoresheet tonight, he was a driving force offensively, consistently pushing the pace and overwhelming Swedish defenders. He won countless puck battles along the boards and created second-chance opportunities all night. He will be an important player for this Canadian team come Boxing Day.

    D Jackson Smith (CAN | Columbus Blue Jackets)

    If you followed along with our coverage on X/Twitter, you saw us highlight the flaws in Smith’s game early on. Watching him live at last year’s World Juniors pre-tournament games, his impatience stood out where he frequently forced pucks into high-risk areas. That habit lingered through the first period and a half tonight before he finally settled in. Once comfortable, his elite recovery ability took over; even when caught out of position, his strong skating allows him to recover quickly. Offensively, he uses quick edges to walk the line and create space effortlessly. If Smith finds consistency, he has top-pair potential. But if he plays jumpy, as he did in Kitchener, he can quickly become a liability for this Canadian team.

    D Daxon Rudolph (CAN | Buffalo Sabres)

    When we heard Rudolph’s name be called at pick four on Draft night, it was somewhat of a surprise, but this kid can play. He was heavily involved on the offensive side of the puck tonight for this Canadian team, more so than typical, and looked good doing so. With strong vision and good skating, he will play a big part for this Canadian team in December. 

    F Milton Gästrin (SWE | St Louis Blues)

    A veteran presence for Sweden’s U20 squad, Gästrin put together another complete performance. The former U18 captain scored his second goal of the Showcase on a sharp penalty-kill read and showed noticeable improvements in his defensive detail. He will be a core leader for Sweden on and off the ice.

    F Theo Stockselius (SWE | Calgary Flames)

    It was another strong game for Stockselius in this one, potting two more goals to add to his existing 2 points (1G, 1A) on the Showcase. Responsible and trusted at both ends of the ice, he is rapidly solidifying his place as a core forward on this roster. 

  • Sanderson the Star in 6-1 WJSS Win Over Sweden

    The World Junior Summer Showcase continued with Team USA Blue taking down Sweden 6-1 in dominant fashion at the WFCU Centre in Windsor, Ontario.

    Coming off a 4-goal first period for Finland in the earlier game, it felt like both teams were trying to match it, with chances being traded both ways throughout the opening frame. 

    It took 16 minutes before Carter Sanderson recorded the first goal of the game off a beautiful setup play from Wyatt Cullen. 

    Despite the first period ending with only 9 total shots on net, there were plenty of high-quality chances generated throughout. 

    The second period was similar to the first, with high danger looks for both teams, but for USA Blue they were able to find the scoresheet. 

    Carter Sanderson scored his second goal of the game on a poor turnover from Liam Funck in his own end.

    Brooks Rogowski scored, banking it off the backboard before hitting Isak Sorqvist’s skate and in the net.

    It didn’t take long into the third period for Sweden to respond. After two US turnovers, Theo Stockselius deposited it into the back of the net to bring the Swedes back within 2.

    The momentum for Sweden didn’t last long when Mikey Berchild scored his first of the showcase, giving USA Blue the 3-goal insurance.

    After putting together a strong performance all day long, Wyatt Cullen deflected one home to pick up his first goal of the WJSS.

    To finish the day for USA Blue, Sanderson potted the hat-trick goal to secure the win.

    Both teams will be back tomorrow with USA Blue taking on Finland at 3 p.m. EDT / 10 p.m. EEST and Sweden taking on USA White at 7 p.m. EDT / 1 a.m. CEST.

    The Standouts:

    Brooks Rogowski

    When you think of Rogowski’s 6’7”, 236lbs frame, speed wouldn’t be the first thing you’d expect, but it’s easily one of the most impressive parts of his game. He uses his sneaky speed to slip by defenders and get into the danger areas around the crease. If he can play like he did today throughout the upcoming season, he’ll be a lineup lock for Boxing Day.

    Carter Sanderson

    Sanderson felt like someone who was in the right place at the right time all day today. Capping off his day with a hat trick, he’s going to be one of the most intriguing players to watch as the showcase progresses.

    Wyatt Cullen

    A guy who we talked about in our preview of the tournament, Cullen was outstanding today. A beautiful skating play to set up USA Blue’s first goal while also getting a goal of his own towards the end of the game, it felt like a different USA team when he was on the ice. 

    Tommy Bleyl

    A tremendous skater who continues to show his talents on the big stage. Going coast to coast and jamming in a goal that ended up being called back for goaltender interference, Bleyl will be a must-watch player come December.

    Theo Stockselius

    One of the few highlights from this game for the Swedes, Stockselius generated a number of chances and picked up a goal as a silver lining on an otherwise disappointing day.