Sweden looking to build on last year’s silver

At the 2018 IIHF World Junior Championship in Buffalo, the Swedes did something they hadn’t done since the 2014 tournament — take home a medal. They’re hoping to use last year’s silver medal as a launching pad for future success.

It wasn’t that there was a lack of talent at the 2015, 2016 and 2017 tournaments. Previous rosters for Sweden included the likes of William Nylander, Adrian Kempe, Jacob Larsson, Alexander Nylander, Joel Eriksson Ek, Rasmus Dahlin and Elias Pettersson.

Whatever the reason, the Swedes are moving on and building this year’s team with strong defence.

Every defenceman invited this year — except for Philip Broberg — has been drafted by an NHL team, and none later than the third round.

Broberg, a late addition to the preliminary roster, is an A-rated prospect on the ‘Players to Watch’ list by the NHL Central Scouting. He is projected to be a first-round pick at the 2019 NHL draft in Vancouver.

Erik Brannstrom and Timothy Liljegren are the only returning defencemen from last year’s team.

Brannstrom was selected 15th overall by the Vegas Golden Knights at the 2017 NHL draft. He’s currently playing his first season in North America with the AHL’s Chicago Wolves, and the 19-year-old has 20 points (4G, 16A) in 23 games.

Liljegren was taken two picks after Brannstrom by the Toronto Maple Leafs with the 17th selection. Last spring, he helped Toronto Marlies of the AHL take home the Calder Cup championship.

Filip Westerlund is Sweden’s only other defender that was drafted in 2017, taken in the second round by the Arizona Coyotes.

The rest of the players auditioning for Sweden’s blue line were all drafted at this past June’s draft in Dallas.

Adam Boqvist was the highest pick, eighth overall by the Chicago Blackhawks. He has 25 points (9G, 16A) in 23 games with the OHL’s London Knights this season.

Nils Lundkvist and Rasmus Sandin were selected back-to-back with the 28th and 29th selections by the New York Rangers and Toronto Maple Leafs, respectively.

Adam Ginning rounds out the list, taken by the Philadelphia Flyers in the second round.

The Swedes will get their first look at their defence in action against another team right here at Prospera Place this upcoming Tuesday, Dec. 18. They’ll face off against the Russians in a Lordco Road to the World Juniors Pre-Tournament game. Puck-drop is 7 p.m. PT.

Tickets are still available, online at selectyourtickets.com, at the Prospera Place box office or by phone at 250-762-5050.