Sweden Stuns Slovakia with Late Winner as World Junior Championships Begin

Image Source: Internet

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Sweden edged Slovakia 3-2 in a nail-biting opener of the 2026 World Junior Championships. Ivar Stenberg scored the winning goal with 3:57 remaining in the third period, assisted by Eddie Genborg. The goal sealed a thrilling comeback for Sweden, which had a two-goal lead at one point in the match. Sweden's Anton Frondell was a standout performer, scoring two goals and assisting Victor Eklund in the second period. The team's initial lead was secured after a power play, with Frondell scoring a slap shot at the 9:05 mark. Eklund then added to the lead with a goal from just outside the crease, assisted by Frondell and Jack Berglund. Slovakia responded with a power play goal in the second period, cutting the deficit in half with five seconds left in the period. Tomas Pobezal's goal from a 5-3 man advantage narrowed the gap, but Sweden held on to their lead. However, Sweden's Viggo Bjorck saw a would-be shorthanded goal taken off the board in the third period due to goaltender interference. Slovakia then capitalized on a turnover in front of Sweden's net, tying the game 9:05 into the period with Tobias Tomik's goal. The match marked a significant victory for Sweden, as Slovakia had not beaten them since the 2015 World Junior bronze medal game. Both teams will continue their Group A play over the weekend, with Slovakia facing Germany on Saturday and Sweden taking on Switzerland on Sunday.