Nicklas Bäckström Returns to Swedish National Ice Hockey Team for Finland Hockey Games
Veteran Nicklas Bäckström returns to Sweden’s national ice hockey team for the Finland Hockey Games, alongside promising debutants as the team sets its sights on the Olympics.
- • Nicklas Bäckström returns to Tre Kronor for the 2025-26 season.
- • Finland Hockey Games take place November 6-9 with matches versus Czech Republic, Switzerland, and Finland.
- • Three players debut: Axel Andersson, Jacob Larsson, and Isac Hedqvist.
- • Women’s team includes Josefine Holmgren’s comeback in the Lidl Hockey Games.
Key details
The Swedish men's national ice hockey team, Tre Kronor, has announced its first squad for the season, featuring the return of veteran star Nicklas Bäckström. Bäckström, who recently came back to Brynäs after a long NHL career, is set to play in the upcoming Finland Hockey Games from November 6 to 9, marking a key milestone in Sweden's national team season.
Head coach Sam Hallam, in his final season with Tre Kronor, revealed that Bäckström was thrilled to be recalled, highlighting his passion and strong character. Alongside Bäckström, three newcomers will make their international debuts: Axel Andersson (Brynäs), Jacob Larsson (Rapperswil), and Isac Hedqvist (Luleå). Hallam especially praised Andersson for his impressive performances last season and strong start this year.
The Finland Hockey Games will see Sweden face tough competition, including the Czech Republic, Switzerland, and Finland. The opening match takes place on November 6 against the Czech Republic at the Catena Arena in Ängelholm, with remaining games in Tampere, Finland. The tournament serves as an important step leading up to the 2026 Winter Olympics and the World Championships in spring.
Goalkeeper duties will be shared by Arvid Holm (Rögle) and Jacob Johansson (Timrå), as Hallam signals both are in contention for Olympic selection.
On the women's side, coach Ulf Lundberg has named the squad for the Lidl Hockey Games held November 5 to 8, also in Ängelholm. Josefine Holmgren returns to the national team for the first time since 2023. Lundberg emphasized the motivation brought by having both national teams competing simultaneously. However, star defenseman Maja Nylén Persson remains sidelined due to injury. Lundberg has integrated five forwards from U.S. college hockey to provide depth for the challenging schedule of three matches in four days.
These developments underscore a crucial period for Swedish ice hockey as Tre Kronor prepares for major international tournaments ahead.