PHOTO: Bildbyrån
The final of the Junior WC is only hours away.
Before the match, several stars have sent greetings to pep up the Junior crowns.
– You only get the chance to win JVM gold at home once in your life, says NHL star Mika Zibanejad to Sportbladet.
Sweden was finally able to pull away 5–2 in the semi-final against the Czech Republic, after an even start to the match. The victory meant a final place at home for the Junior crowns, who now have the chance to take Sweden’s first JVM gold since 2012.
Lundqvist & Zibanejad
There are many hockey stars and profiles who wanted to pay tribute to the players after their success in the championship. In the morning warm-up before the semi-finals appeared Henrik Lundqvist up and surprised the Junior crowns. The goalkeeping icon, who himself played in the JVM in 2000 and 2001, dropped in and offered some smart advice and encouraging words.
The article continues after the picture.
The last time Sweden won JVM gold, in Calgary, Canada in 2012, it was the current NHL star Mika Zibanejad which decided the final against Russia. It was in overtime that he stepped forward and scored the only goal of the match. As there has been no gold since then, it has become a tradition for Zibanejad to send a greeting to the Junior Crowns when they go far.
Lidström’s greetings
The 30-year-old has followed the Junior Crowns championship, and is now looking forward to following the final. Even if it will be a bit cumbersome.
– It hasn’t been an easy way forward and it rarely is, there are a lot of nerves when everything depends on what happens in a single match, but it can be good to have some adversity as well. I think they handled it very well. It will be very nervous to watch the final. I have time to see at least the first period at home. Then we fly to Montreal, so I hope for good wifi on the plane, says Zibanejad to Sportbladet.
The article continues after the picture.
Already before the quarter-finals, Mika sent a video greeting to the team. But now that they are ready for the final, he has little to add.
– They know how to play and they know why they are there and now I hope they can go out and just enjoy themselves. You only get the chance to win JVM gold on home soil once in your life and you should really just enjoy it, says Zibanejad to the evening newspaper.
READ MORE: Mika Zibanejad’s absolutely perfect Halloween costume with wife Irma – you’ve never seen the NHL star like this before
Also the NHL icon Nicklas Lidström do your part to cheer the boys on.
– Good luck in the final! A fantastic feeling to play a JVM final at home. Go for it.
How will it go in the final? Share the article and have your say!
READ MORE: Nicklas Lidström speaks straight from the heart about Erik Karlsson and it’s pure goosebumps: “It’s really crazy”
Sign up for our newsletter
Share