Sweden 6, Latvia 3: Anton Frondell from the Chicago Blackhawks shone brightly, scoring two goals as Sweden secured its spot in the semifinals at Grand Casino Arena. The team’s victory showcased not just talent but also teamwork. Leo Sahlin Wallenius (San Jose Sharks) contributed with a goal and two assists, while Alfons Freij (Winnipeg Jets) assisted twice. Goalie Love Harenstam (St. Louis Blues) made 13 key saves to help keep Sweden ahead.
“We’ve got great shooters, so it’s crucial we take our shots instead of passing too much,” Frondell explained. “It’s been working well for us.” This insight not only highlights their strategy but also points to a confident, aggressive playing style that has served them well this tournament.
Latvia’s Nils Maurins (2026 eligible) had a busy night, making 32 saves. Despite the loss, Kristers Ansons, Martins Klaucans, and Olivers Murnieks each managed to score for Latvia. The stats reveal a tough tournament for them, as they faced a 24-8 scoring deficit over four consecutive games after a narrow overtime loss to Canada.
Historically, Sweden’s prowess against Latvia isn’t new. They have knocked Latvia out of the quarterfinals three times in the last five tournaments. Notably, they won 2-1 in the 2022 WJC and 3-2 in 2025. Latvian defenseman Alberts Smits acknowledged the challenge, stating, “We knew we had to elevate our game to match Sweden.” His reflections reveal the emotional weight teams feel when facing top-tier opponents.
The game unfolded quickly. Frondell opened the scoring just 10 seconds in, setting the tone. Ansons equalized with a power-play goal, but Sweden quickly reclaimed the lead. With goals from Jack Berglund (Philadelphia Flyers) and Sascha Boumedienne (Winnipeg Jets), Sweden built a solid advantage. Felix Carell, a defenseman eligible for the 2026 draft, added to the score, demonstrating his offensive potential.
Frondell’s third-period goal pushed the score to 5-1, showcasing his exceptional shooting prowess. Latvia didn’t give up, with Klaucans scoring, but it wasn’t enough to change the outcome. Murnieks added a late power-play goal but the final score was 6-3.
Looking ahead, Frondell emphasized a mindset focused on “humility” and “control.” His statement reflects a common theme among successful teams: staying grounded while striving for victory.
As Sweden moves forward in the tournament, stats show their offense is particularly strong, averaging over four goals per game. This trend suggests they might be a formidable opponent in the semifinals.
Ultimately, this match not only highlights individual talents but also the spirit of competition. A combination of skill, strategy, and emotional resilience can make all the difference in high-stakes play.
