(Gothenburg) After two wins to start the world junior hockey championship, things are about to get a lot tougher for Canada.
Canada will enter a packed Scandinavium Arena against the tournament hosts on Friday in a feature Group A match.
“They are talented and dangerous,” Canada head coach Alan Letang said of Sweden. They are formidable on the counterattack. »
Canada is looking to win a third straight gold medal — it would be the first time since the country won five in a row from 2005 to 2009.
“Those games are the ones you have the most energy for,” said Fraser Minten, Canada captain and Maple Leafs prospect. It’s really very stimulating. »
There are approximately 3,500 Canadian fans dressed in red in Gothenburg for the tournament. Despite these high figures, they will be in the minority on Friday.
“The crowd is going to be electric,” Letang said. We’ll see how we manage that. »
Mathis Rousseau, who is expected to make a third straight start, said confidence is strong on the maple leaf side.
“Everyone has the same mindset,” he said. We are here to do great things. Everyone trusts each other. »
The Swedes won their first two matches 6-0 and 5-0, outclassing Latvia and Germany.
The Canadians dominated Finland 5-2 before pulverizing the Latvians, 10-0.
The Swedes are led by Canucks prospect Jonathan Lekkerimaki and Red Wings prospect Axel Sandin Pellika. Both play professionally in their country.