World Cup 2016

Icehockey is a very popular sport in Sweden. Like in many European countries.  However, since decades all the best players in the world plays in ghe National Hockey League (NHL) in Northern America.

Every year there is a world championship, but the tournament is held during the NHL season so it is normally only players from other national leagues or teams in NHL that have already ended their seasons that participate. 

However, every five years or so – NHL decides to play a real tournament with all the best participating. This has be done, 76, 81, 84, 87, 91 as Canada Cup and 96, 04 as the World Cup. Canada has won five times, US once and Sovjet Union once. Sweden has a second and a third place as best.

This year is again time for the World Cup, which is played in Toronto Canada with only the best teams and all the best players, in a ‘real’ world championship.

This years tournament is exiting since the World Cup hasn’t been played since 2004. The sport and game has developed over the years, but Canada is still the favourite playing at home in the Air Canada Center in Toronto. 

The tournament is played in teo groups of four teams. The two best plays semifinal and the winners play a final in best of three games. 

After first week Canada has already won Group 1 and Sweden has won Group 2. Today it will be decided who comes second and will face these two teams in the semifinals. Sweden has beaten Russia and Finland so far.

Sweden has a good team with a great goal keeper in Henric Lundqvist from New York Rangers, probably the best keeper in the world. We also have a very good defence. 

Unfortunately we have had some injuries on attacking players will make it difficult to challenge Canada in a final. I do think that the final will be played between Canada and Sweden. 

Who will win? 9 our 10 hockeyfans would day Canada that has a fantastic team. On the other hand, sport is sport. Nothing is impossible. If Lundqvist plays at his very best….