During the Wednesday evening, Sweden plays for the first time in the Junior WC.
But the very best Swedish players are not included.
– It is unlucky, says SVT expert Jonas Andersson.
It is the first time ever that the Junior WC will take place during the summer. The winter tournament was canceled after the coronavirus found its way into the tournament, and several players fell ill.
Missing several stars
Several group stage matches had already been played when the championship was cancelled. Despite that, this summer’s tournament will restart from the beginning, but it will not be the same players on the ice as last winter.
Some have chosen to abstain, and at the same time the NHL clubs have not released players to the same extent for this summer’s tournament. For Sweden, this means that players like Lucas Raymond were not relevant. Alexander Holtz has also chosen to decline.
– It is a bit unlucky for Sweden and other nations that the NHL clubs do not release the sharpest players. But you have to remember that even in a normal Junior WC, not all the best are there, says Jonas Andersson to SVT.
“Lost key player”
The expert still believes that the championships will offer several good moments, and that it will be of a high standard.
– It will be a good level and fairly even as several of the best nations have lost key players this year, Andersson says.
He also shares which players in the Junior crowns are worth keeping an eye on.
– Simon Edvinsson was responsible for one of the best matches I have seen at junior level when Sweden won against Russia in the canceled tournament last winter. He will be a key player.
– Wallstedt (Jesper) in the goal was also completely brilliant.
Sweden plays its first game against Switzerland on Wednesday with kick-off at 8:00 p.m.