Three Crowns kick off a season that ends with the World Championship on home soil in Stockholm with the Karjala Tournament.
The first match on Thursday evening is played against world champion Czech Republic on away ground in Karlovy Vary, before the two remaining matches are played in Helsinki.
Linus Weissbach is one of five debutants.
He has had a successful autumn in leading Frölunda and averaged a point per match, 16 points (4 goals + 12 assists). A feat that puts him sixth in the SHL scoring league.
This after eight straight seasons in North America, one in the American junior league, four on college and the last three in Buffalo's farm team Rochester.
He managed to play an SHL match in Frölunda before leaving as an 18-year-old.
"Damn fun acquaintance"
Not so strange if he was unknown – even to Sam Hallam, the national team captain.
Roger Rönnberg (Frölunda coach) boasted a bit about him during the preseason. But I didn't know much. It's been a damn fun acquaintance and it's going to be fun to see him with us, says Hallam.
What has impressed the most?
His drive with the puck, how he moves it with the speed he has, says Hallam.
Linus Weissbach about his SHL season so far:
I've gotten to play with two good players (Max Friberg and Mikael Ruohomaa) and been able to build chemistry, for my part I've been able to use my skating and speed which is what I'm best at. I may have gotten a bit more freedom in the game.
"A bit bitter"
After many years in North America, a lot has been new for him, both hockey-wise and privately. He enjoys life at home in his hometown with friends and family.
There, it's often that you gather in one place during the season and play together, then everyone goes their separate ways. In Gothenburg, I have my friends and my family, so I have a lot to stand on during the days. It's fun.
He never got the chance in the NHL and that dream remains for Weissbach.
Yes, absolutely. It's not something you focus on in everyday life, but the dream is always there. To train to get there. I didn't get the opportunity in the NHL, it's a bit bitter, he says.
Weissbach aims for a good debut with Three Crowns – is the World Championship on home soil in mind?
It's a long season, so playing the World Championship is not something you think about right now – but you can definitely dream.
7-10/11: Karjala Tournament (7/11 Czech Republic in Karlovy Vary, 9/11 Switzerland and 10/11 Finland, both in Helsinki).
9-15/12 Swiss Hockey Games (Switzerland).
3-9/2 2025: Beijer Hockey Games (Stockholm).
10-20/2: NHL 4 nations (only NHL players, Montreal/Boston).
14-25/4 Finland-Sweden match (Finland/Sweden).
28/4-4/5: Czech Hockey Games (Czech Republic).
9-25 May: World Championship (Stockholm/Herning, Denmark). Sweden plays all matches in Stockholm, where the semifinals and medal matches will also be decided.
