Team Denmark is set to compete in the 2026 World Junior Championship (WJC) for the first time since 2019, after earning promotion from Division IA last season. Their performance in the upcoming tournament will be crucial in determining whether they can maintain their position in the top division. The team faces a significant challenge in Group B, which includes Canada, Czechia, Finland, and Latvia.
Here are some of the players to watch on Team Denmark:
-
Mads Kongsbak Klyvo: As the only NHL-drafted player on the roster (Florida Panthers, fourth round, 2025), Klyvo is expected to be a key leader for Denmark. The power forward has been playing for Frolunda's U-20 squad in the U20 Nationell and recorded 29 points in 42 games in the 2024-25 season. Klyvo also contributed three assists in five games at the 2025 WJC U-20 D1A tournament, helping Denmark earn a spot in the top division. Despite an injury keeping him off the ice this season, his performance at both the U18 and U20 D1A IIHF World Junior Championships last season helped Denmark earn promotions in both age groups.
-
Markus Jakobsen: The 19-year-old defenseman currently plays for the Sioux Falls Stampede in the USHL. Before joining the Stampede, he played for the Okotoks Oilers in the BCHL, where he scored 12 points in 16 games. Jakobsen contributed two assists during Denmark's promotion bid at the WJC-20 D1A tournament. He is expected to be a key player on Denmark's blue line and a likely point man on the first powerplay unit.
-
Emil Saaby Jakobsen: Eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft, this left-handed defenseman has been making a name for himself in Sweden's junior system. Playing for Karlskrona in the HockeyEttan, the 17-year-old has recorded 17 points. He also has 23 points in 15 games for Karlskrona U18. Jakobsen's commanding play during Denmark's promotion to this year's U18 Worlds, where he had 3 points and a +6 rating in 5 games, has made him a prospect to watch. Some have noted that Jakobsen might be the best skater on the Danish blueline.
-
Anton Emil Wilde Larsen: Larsen is expected to be the team's starting goalie. He had a 4-0-0-0 record at the Division IA U-18s last year. He is currently playing in the top Danish league.
Other players to keep an eye on include Tristan Petersen, a forward playing in the WHL for the Penticton Vees, and Albert Grossmann, a sizable (6'6") forward playing in Denmark's second pro division. Oliver Dejbjerg Larsen is another forward who has been performing well in the Swedish U-20 league. On defense, Jeppe Kramer and Jesper Bank Olesen are expected to form a top pairing.
Denmark's schedule includes games against Finland, Czechia, Canada, and Latvia. The team's main objective will be to avoid the relegation round, which could be a challenge given the strength of their group. To achieve this, Denmark will likely need strong goaltending, solid defensive play, and capitalizing on their scoring chances.
