It was the USA that started clearly the best. Already after two minutes, Logan Cooley made it 1-0. After that, things got worse for the Junior crowns.
Fabian Lysell, who has not got it at all during the championship and was still chasing his first point, suffered a concussion in his first change. The 19-year-old, who was poked and set up as the 13th forward, went on a match penalty right after a head tackle.
Hävelid: “Going in the right direction”
An intense first period ended 1–0 to the USA.
— Our game with the puck has improved. We also got the passing game going. We went in the right direction, says union captain Magnus Hävelid.
Our puck play is getting better and faster passing game, we went in the right direction. Now I won’t say much, we’ll talk a little later.
The second period began just like the first – the USA immediately increased to 2-0 through Ryan Ufko.
The goals rattled in
Then it went away – or rather, the match was derailed. The goals rattled in, first the USA went up to a 5–3 lead, but by the time 40 minutes had been played, Sweden had caught up, 5–5.
— Eventful, notes Liam Öhgren after the second period to Viaplay and continues:
— Both teams are skilled, and we take advantage of the chances. It’s fast out there, and it’s back and forth. We have to be careful in the defensive game, but we have to continue with our pucks in front of the goal.
The junior crowns started the final period better and also took the lead, but three minutes later the USA equalized, 6–6.
Next JVM in Sweden
With just over 2.30 left on the clock, Leo Carlsson was sent off. And in the subsequent power play, the USA managed to score 7-6 and it was all over for Sweden anyway… right?
Not really.
Because with 20 seconds left, Filip Bystedt equalized and took the match to extra time. Once there, the USA drew the longest straw and secured the bronze medal in a somewhat improbable hockey match.
— It is an incredible disappointment. We deserve to win. There is incredible morale in this group, and we showed that on the ice. We didn’t give up. It is a strength. It’s sad to go home without a medal, says Magnus Hävelid.
The next edition of the JVM will be played in Sweden and more precisely Gothenburg.