Sweden is where it wants to be. The junior crowns have made it all the way to the final in a championship where the team has grown with each match.
The penalty save in the semi-final against Finland made former national team captain Roger Rönnberg think back to the team he led to gold in 2012 after a spectacular overtime victory over Russia in the final.
“Similar courage”
There's a similar courage emerging in this year's team. The mental strength - the tougher it got, the better they got (the 2012 gold team). I see similarities with this squad.
One of the golden heroes from 14 years ago, Petter Granberg, looks back.
"We really did something great together that has created bonds and memories for life. We were a great bunch of guys," he says, continuing:
This group feels the same. They've had to struggle a bit along the way too; that's what builds the group.
There is no doubt that Sweden will take home the gold, says an old gold hero.
"It really is time now," says Granberg.
“Raises a warning finger”
The opposition is anything but easy, however. The Czech Republic has been perhaps the tournament's most uncomfortable team to face, knocking out Canada in the semifinals.
Pär Mårts won three silver medals as national captain of the Junior Crowns. Also a World Cup gold medal as national captain of Tre Kronor. He knows what it takes to beat the Czech Republic.
"Win the game in front of both goals. A bit cliché, but that's how goals are scored. The Czech Republic plays powerfully and straight; their hockey is heavier," he says and continues:
"I raise a warning finger to the Czechs. Sweden has to play their best game last. It's not always easy."
“Puts us in the barrel”
The junior crowns have only had two golds before: 1981 and 2012. Both Rönnberg and Mårts have their thoughts on what this is due to.
"It's difficult with young players, because it's easy to get emotional. You have to have the bouncers with you, like Sweden had in the semi-final," says Rönnberg.
"We have been branded as never being the best when it comes to that. I understand what is meant; it is clear that everything is about winning finals and we have not done that," says Mårts.
Mårts is talking about Swedish society reflecting the results.
"We have a good society in Sweden. We take care of everyone. In countries like Finland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, the climate in sports is tougher. I like the Swedish model, that everyone should be involved, but it's a bit of a pain in the ass. I think that's why we haven't won as often."
Sweden-Czech Republic kicks off at 2:30 a.m. local time in Sweden.
2025: United States
2024: United States
2023: Canada
2022: Canada
2021: United States
2020: Canada
2019: Finland
2025: 4
2024: silver
2023: 4
2022: bronze
2021: 5
2020: bronze
2019: 5
2018: silver
