Evidence: How to play the World Cup Under-18 Hockey Championship
He really impressed at the U-20 World Cup.
Axel Sandin Pellikka will now make his U18 WC debut.
– We have a great chance for gold, says Småkronas backstjärna.
This year’s tournament is in Switzerland and two of the players were there last year when Sweden won the gold medal: Brennas Theo Lindstein and Frolunda’s Otto Steenberg.
For Skellefteå AIK’s newly arrived 18-year-old Axel Sanden Bilica, this will be the first appearance in the U-18 World Cup, but the truth is that he has already competed in the U-20 World Cup.
After hitting a major in the SHL in the fall, he pitched as a double minor at JVM in Canada around the new year. He was the average ice time senior for Crowns Junior—even though he was the youngest on the team.
– I’ll just try to keep playing my game. Don’t relax, keep driving. It’s the team that has to do it, not any individual player, says Malmbergsonen humbly.
Intense tournament
The opening match of the World Cup is played against Canada on Thursday.
– They have a strong team with many skilled players that you should keep an eye on. But first of all, we shouldn’t back off and back off, but just get out there and drive. Show no respect and dare to play our game.
They have a busy schedule ahead of them. The U-18 World Cup takes place in eleven days, with the first four matches finished in six days.
– Many are used to it at home in club teams playing everything from J18 and J20 to the A team. There would easily be three or four games a week there too. So it shouldn’t be a huge concern, I guess.
The highest rating before the NHL draft
His skillful back calm and composure at the first level were admired by many despite his young age.
Where did you get the cold from?
– Yes, that’s a good question. I don’t know, I feel so calm when I’m on the ice. I try not to stress myself in any major way. I play mostly on instinct, then I don’t get nervous.
The breakthrough has caused Sandin Pellikka to rush up various rosters ahead of this summer’s NHL draft. Considered by many North American experts to be the absolute best at running the hill, Scout naturally has an iron eye.
– During the match, I don’t think much about whether they are sitting in the stands watching. I often dealt with a little ice and had small meetings.
Believe in transformation in SC final: “Goosebumps”
There have been a total of 22 games in the SHL this season for Sandín Pelica. While the World Cup continues, Skellefteå SC’s teammates play against Växjö in the final.
– It’s very interesting to watch. I get goosebumps a bit when North Power (Skellefteå Supporters Association) start their cheers, it’s fun to watch.
Skellefteå is trailing 0-2 in matches, but Sandin Pellikka believes in the turnaround.
They’ve done it before (against Örebro in the semi-finals) and they’ll do it again.
Finally, what are you most looking forward to in the Under-18 World Cup?
– To bring back the gold.
When is the 2023 U-18 Hockey World Cup?
The Men’s Under-18 Hockey World Cup will be held in Borntroy, Switzerland, and Basel from 20 April to 30 April.
Which TV channel is broadcasting the U-18 Hockey World Cup 2023?
Sweden’s U-18 Hockey World Cup matches are broadcast on Svenskhockey.tv up to and including the quarter-finals. SVT broadcasts Sweden’s matches from any semi-final onwards.
Sweden matches at U18 WC 2023 – Then Småkronorna plays
- Thursday 20th April 2.30pm: Sweden and Canada
- Friday 21 April 18.30: Sweden and Slovakia
- Sunday 23 April 17.00: Sweden and the Czech Republic
- Monday 25th April 2.30pm: Sweden and Germany
- Thursday, April 27: Quarterfinals
- Saturday, April 29: Semi-finals
- Sunday, April 30: Final and bronze
The groups at U18 WC 2023
The teams in the FIFA U-18 World Cup 2023 are divided into two groups of five with all teams facing each other. The top four teams in each group advance to the quarter-finals.
Group A: Sweden, Canada, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Germany
Group B: Finland, Norway, Switzerland, Latvia, USA
In the quarter-finals, the ten teams of the group will meet the fourth-placed team from the other group, and the group of two teams will meet the three teams of the group.
Sweden’s squad for the U18 WC 2023 tournament
This is what national team captain Anders Eriksen’s squad looks like for the tournament:
Goalkeepers:
1 Noah Erleden, HV71
30 Olof Glifford, HV71*
35 Melker Thelin IF Björklöven
to support:
3 Axel Landene, HV71
4 Axel Sanden-Belica, Skellefteå AIK
5 Tom Wilander, Rögle BK
6 Axel Hurtig, Rögle BK
7 Albert Wikman, Farjestads BK
8 Arvid Bergström, Djurgården IF
9 Theo Lindstein, Brynäs IF
Attackers:
12 Noah Dower Nilsson, Frölunda HC
15 David Edstrom, Frölunda HC
16 Gustav Kangas, Västerås IK
17 Zeb Forsfjäll, Skellefteå AIK
18 Felix Unger Sorum, Lakesands IF
19 Hugo Peterson, HV71
20 Elliot Ståhlberg, Farjestads BK
22 Anton Wahlberg, Malmo Redhawks
23 Otto Stenberg, Frölunda HC
24 Simon Zeither, Rögle BK
25 Jacob Sagadin, Viccho Lakers
26 Noel Nord, Brynäs IF
27 Wille Johansson, Farjestads BK
* He replaced Djurgården’s Theodor Munther, who plays in hockey matches in Allsvenskan.