Sweden emerged victorious in a tightly contested match against USA White, securing a 3-2 win at the World Juniors Summer Showcase on Monday, July 28. The game, held in Minneapolis, was the final showcase game before the USA team was set to consolidate its roster before facing Sweden again on Wednesday, July 30.
The game started quickly, with Sweden's Alexander Zetterberg scoring less than two minutes into the first period, assisted by Viggo Nordlund and Victor Johansson. USA White responded near the halfway point of the period when Jacob Kvasnicka scored, assisted by Dakoda Rheaume-Mullen and James Hagens, ending the first period in a 1-1 tie.
In the second period, Will Horcoff scored on the power play, giving USA White their first lead of the game. Tanner Henricks and Cullen Potter were credited with the assists. Sweden quickly retaliated, with Filip Ekberg scoring to tie the game at 2-2, assisted by Wilson Björck.
Barely a minute into the third period, Brodie Ziemer scored, assisted by Hagens, putting USA White ahead 3-2. However, Sweden fought back, scoring with under five minutes remaining to tie the game.
Caleb Heil started in goal for USA White, with Patrick Quinlan taking over at the halfway point. Herman Liv played the entire game in net for Sweden.
Earlier in the tournament, USA White defeated Finland 5-2. In that game, Ryker Lee and Teddy Stiga each scored two goals for the USA, with Shane Vansaghi also adding a goal. Nick Kempf and Heil split goaltending duties in the victory. Sweden also defeated USA Blue 5-2. Ivar Stenberg recorded a hat trick for Sweden in that match.
The World Junior Summer Showcase serves as an important evaluation opportunity for players hoping to make their national teams for the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, which will be held from December 26, 2025, to January 5, 2026, in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Minnesota.
