Sweden emerged victorious in a tightly contested opening game of the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, defeating Slovakia 3-2 at the Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul, Minnesota. Ivar Stenberg, a projected top-five pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, sealed the win for Sweden with just 3:57 remaining in the third period.
The game, the first for Group A, saw both teams battling hard, with Sweden ultimately capitalizing on key opportunities. Anton Frondell (Chicago Blackhawks) contributed a goal and an assist, while Victor Eklund (New York Islanders) also found the back of the net for Sweden. Love Harenstam (St. Louis Blues) stood strong in goal for Sweden, stopping 23 of Slovakia's shots.
After a scoreless first period where both teams had strong chances, Sweden broke the deadlock in the second with two power-play goals. Frondell opened the scoring with a one-timer from the right face-off circle at 9:05, assisted by Alfons Freij and Stenberg. Eklund extended the lead to 2-0 at 13:16, converting a shot from the slot after a pass from Frondell and Jack Berglund.
Slovakia responded late in the second period with a power-play goal of their own, as Tomas Pobezal (2026 draft-eligible) scored with a wrist shot from the high slot at 19:55, assisted by Alex Misiak.
The third period saw further drama. Viggo Bjorck appeared to score a shorthanded goal for Sweden, but it was overturned due to goalie interference. Shortly after, Tobias Tomik tied the game for Slovakia at 10:55 with a backhand attempt from the slot, assisted by Tobias Pitka. Stenberg then scored the decisive goal at 16:03, assisted by Eddie Genborg, securing the 3-2 victory for Sweden.
Sweden's coach, Magnus Havelid, hopes the team can improve on their fourth-place finish from the previous year and aim for their first gold medal since 2012. Peter Fruhauf, Slovakia's coach, is leading a young team, with fifteen players eligible to return for the 2027 World Juniors.
Sweden will face Switzerland in their next Group A game on Sunday, while Slovakia will take on Germany on Saturday.
