In a gripping pre-tournament exhibition at Canada Life Place, Sweden mounted a stunning comeback to edge Canada 4-2, flipping a 2-1 deficit after second-period goals from Tij Iginla and Braeden Cootes with four unanswered third-period strikes. Jack Berglund led the charge for the Swedes, netting twice—including a short-handed tally just 43 seconds into the frame—while Victor Eklund and Ivar Stenberg also found the back of the net. Despite being outshot 25-16 and held scoreless on five power-play opportunities, Sweden made the most of their chances against a Canadian side featuring Jack Ivankovic in goal. This result avenged Sweden’s earlier 2-1 exhibition loss to Canada, offering a valuable lesson for the young Canadian squad. Coach Dale Hunter noted his team’s strong play in the middle frame but pointed to missed opportunities and unlucky bounces, while Cameron Reid stressed the importance of limiting mistakes against quality opponents and learning to respond under pressure. As Canada gears up for its final tune-up against Denmark on Tuesday before opening the World Junior Championship against Czechia on Boxing Day, this setback serves as a reminder that every nation will bring its A-game against the perennial favorites .To all the internet warriors already melting down over this loss: take a breath and chill out. This is just one exhibition game—Canada has the talent, depth, and history to bounce back strong. The real tournament is still ahead, and when it matters most, the Canadians will be ready to prevail. No need to act like a bunch of babies; the road to gold is rarely smooth, but it always ends with red and white on top.
Gavin McKenna opened up the scoring for the game at 17:58 of the first period, unfortunately it was on Canada’s net and the goal was credited to New York Islanders first rounder Victor Eklund.–Late in the opening period of Saturday night’s matchup against Sweden, Team Canada was holding the puck on a delayed penalty call. But they got a bit too fancy trying to cycle in their own end. Gavin McKenna, the young star from Whitehorse, Yukon, went to gather a pass while dodging a Swedish forechecker and ended up mishandling it. With his momentum carrying him toward the net, the puck deflected off his stick and trickled into Canada’s empty cage, giving Sweden the first goal in what had been a scoreless game. It’s only pre tournament and it kind of was funny🤣 It’s McKenna’s 18th birthday today to boot.
Shots on goal in the first period were 8-5 for Sweden
Kelowna Rocket Tij Iginla tied the game up for the Canadians at 2:38 of the second period with the helpers on the goal going to Michigan Wolverine Michael Hage and Prince George Cougar Carson Carels.–
Vancouver Canucks 2025 First Rounder Braeden Cootes gave Canada a 2-1 lead by finishing off a tic-tac-toe passing sequence. The assists came from Pittsburgh Penguin Harrison Brunicke and Nashville Predators 2025 first rounder Brady Martin, who set up Cootes for a quick finish in tight at 10:07 of the second period
Shots on goal in the second period were 10-2 for Canada.
Jack Berglund tied the game at 2-2 with a shorthanded marker during a Canadian power play. He broke free after a bouncing puck at the blue line created an opportunity, advancing on goal and beating Ivankovic just 43 seconds into the third period.
Ivar Stenberg put Sweden ahead 3-2 with the game-winner at 8:57 of the third period with the assists on the goal going to Viggo Bjorck and Detroit Red Wing prospect Eddie Genborg.
Jack Berglund sealed the 4-2 victory with an empty-net goal late in the period unassisted at 18:39.
Shots on goal in the third period were 10-6 for Canada. Canada outshot the Swedes 25-16 in the game.
Love Harenstram made 23 saves on the 25 shots that he faced for the win for the Swedes. For the Canadians Michigan Wolverine Goalie Jack Ivankovic made 12 saves on the 14 shots that he faced.
Canada’s next game is Tuesday December 23rd against Denmark.
