The countdown to the 2024 World Juniors is on, and the excitement is palpable. Teams Sweden and Finland have unveiled their preliminary rosters, setting the stage for an intense competition in Gothenburg. Let’s delve into the strengths, challenges, and strategies of these two hockey powerhouses.
With a mere fortnight remaining until the World Juniors commence, the venerable European powerhouses have laid bare their rosters.
Sweden, the host nation, presented what seems to be their definitive roster, requiring no further pruning. Conversely, Team Finland is faced with the unenviable task of excising two players, presumably one forward and one defender.
The Swedes enter the competition as frontrunners for the gold medal, flaunting stellar prowess both in the offensive and defensive realms. Their contingent boasts the return of nine seasoned players, providing a considerable advantage on home ice and potentially outshining other elite squads.
Leo Carlsson, the second overall pick for the Anaheim Ducks in the 2023 NHL draft, will notably be absent from the Swedish lineup, as he is engaged in NHL duties and not available for loan. Nonetheless, the roster features an impressive nine first-round picks.
The formidable Swedish defensive lineup will showcase Axel Sandin Pellikka, a first-rounder for the Detroit Red Wings, and Mattias Havelid, selected in the second round by the San Jose Sharks. Filip Bystedt, a first-round pick for the Sharks, spearheads a forward ensemble that includes Jonathan Lekkerimaki, a prospect for the Vancouver Canucks, and Noah Ostlund, a prospect for the Buffalo Sabres.
Coach Magnus Havelid, returning from last year’s campaign where Sweden finished fourth in the IIHF World Junior Championship, has previously guided Sweden to gold in the Under-18 World Championship in 2019 and 2022.
On the opposing side, Team Finland promises to be a tenacious unit, consistently bringing the structural and professional-style hockey characteristic of their World Juniors appearances.
Nashville Predators prospect Joakim Kemell will be absent from the Finnish lineup, choosing to remain in North America for further development in the AHL with the Milwaukee Admirals.
While lacking the offensive firepower of their Swedish counterparts, OHL players Kasper Halttunen and Rasmus Kumpulainen are expected to assume significant roles. The Finnish roster also showcases two forwards eligible for the 2024 NHL draft: Konsta Helenius, a potential top-10 pick, and Emil Hemming, a potential first-rounder.
In the goaltending department, the Finns deploy Niklas Kokko, Eemil Vinni, and Noa Vali. Although Kokko was part of last year’s roster, he did not see any playing time. All three goaltenders stand a chance of making appearances in the upcoming under-20 tournament.
Lauri Mikkola leads the coaching ensemble, tasked with making the final decisions after pre-tournament encounters against Slovakia on Dec. 19 and Czechia on Dec. 21. Finland’s tournament debut will be against the reigning gold medalists, Canada, providing a rigorous test for both squads.
Team Finland and Team Sweden Rosters
Team Finland
Goaltenders
- Eemil Vinni
- Niklas Kokko
- Noa Vali
Defense
- Veeti Vaisanen
- Otto Salin
- Arttu Karki
- Kasper Kulonummi
- Emil Pieniniemi
- Joona Vaisanen
- Kalle Kangas
- Jesse Pukkinen
Forwards
- Rasmus Kumpulainen
- Konsta Helenius
- Oiva Keskinen
- Samu Bau
- Kasper Halttunen
- Jesse Kiiskinen
- Aleksanteri Kaskimaki
- Max Koskipirtti
- Jere Lassila
- Lenni Hameenaho
- Emil Hemming
- Jani Nyman
- Tommi Mannisto
- Janne Naukkarinen
Team Sweden
Goaltenders
- Hugo Havelid
- Kevin Reidler
- Melker Thelin
Defense
- Mattias Havelid
- Anton Johansson
- Jakob Noren
- Elias Pettersson
- Elias Salomonsson
- Axel Sandin Pellikka
- Tom Willander
Forwards
- Isac Born
- Filip Bystedt
- David Edstrom
- Zeb Forsfjall
- Jonathan Lekkerimaki
- Oskar Pettersson
- Rasmus Rudslatt
- Otto Stenberg
- Felix Unger Sorum
- Fabian Wagner
- Anton Wahlberg
- Liam Ohgren
- Noah Ostlund
Conclusion
As the 2024 World Juniors approach, the stage is set for an exhilarating tournament. Team Sweden’s stacked lineup and home advantage make them strong contenders, while Team Finland’s tenacity and skilled individuals could spring surprises. Hockey fans worldwide are in for a treat as these two nations vie for supremacy on the ice.
FAQs
Team Sweden boasts nine returning players from the previous year.
Lauri Mikkola leads the coaching staff for Team Finland.
Joakim Kemell, a Nashville Predators prospect, is absent from Team Finland.
Niklas Kokko, Eemil Vinni, and Noa Vali are the goaltenders for Team Finland.
Finland opens the tournament against Canada, the reigning gold medal winners.