Sweden
This season has already brought success for Sweden’s women with victory in Olympic qualification on home ice back in February. Stellar defence in Gavle meant no goals allowed in three games against the Netherlands, Denmark and Group B rival Norway. Emma Soderberg and Ida Bowman shared goaltending duties there, and they represent an interesting choice for the coaching staff. Soderberg, 27, has the experience and the prestigious role with Boston Fleet in the PWHL, but Bowman, 22, played far more hockey this season as starter for Djurgardens in the SWHL.
PWHL blue-liner Anna Kjelbin, back for her sixth Worlds, brings tournament know-how to a defence in transition: Emma Forsgren, Ida Karlsson, Mira Jungaker and 18-year-old debutant Jenna Raunio are all aged 22 and under and represent the next generation of Swedish talent. Additionally, Annie Silen, 23, is recalled to the roster in the absence of Maja Nylen Persson.
It’s a similar story on offence, with Lisa Johansson and Sara Hjalmarsson leading the team in scoring in Olympic qualification. Both of them have seen it all at this level, and bring the experience for the likes of teenagers Mira Hallin, Ebba Hedqvist and Hilda Svensson. Montreal Victoire’s Lina Ljungblom is another one to watch: in 2023 she had 10 (7+3) points at the Worlds and a season alongside the likes of Marie-Philip Poulin in the PWHL can only elevate her game.
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