Swedish Junior Ice Hockey Team Celebrates Historic World Championship Victory Amid Public Enthusiasm and Delayed Official Honors

The Swedish junior ice hockey team, known as Juniorkronorna, celebrated their first Junior World Championship gold in 14 years following a thrilling victory over the Czech Republic in Minnesota. The final, held at 2:30 AM Swedish time, captivated over 1.2 million viewers on SVT — a significant increase in interest compared to the last gold medal win in 2012. SVT’s sports chief Max Bursell highlighted the tournament’s remarkable engagement, noting that nearly half of Sweden’s population watched some part of the championship, with total viewership exceeding 4.5 million across SVT Play and television channels.

After their victory, the players enjoyed a memorable celebration in the USA. Despite challenges like the 21-year legal drinking age in the US, the team indulged in lively festivities at their hotel, featuring high music, dancing, and playful antics such as drinking soda from the trophy and Linus Eriksson humorously sleeping with a Christmas tree. Head coach Magnus Hävelid was also drenched in sports drink as part of the celebrations. The trophy even acquired a distinct smell from the drinks consumed during their party.

However, the jubilant mood was tempered by disappointment regarding the absence of an official celebration upon the team’s return to Sweden. Players like Victor Eklund expressed confusion and discontent over the lack of recognition, particularly their missed opportunity to meet King Carl XVI Gustaf. Security concerns reportedly prevented an immediate public celebration, with a formal honor planned for May in Ängelholm. Several team members, including Alfons Freij and William Håkansson, voiced their letdown at this delay, yearning for a public gathering akin to the 2012 celebrations in Kungsträdgården. Despite this, the team plans to enjoy some downtime together.

Overall, the Juniorkronorna’s 2026 achievement has sparked a surge in national interest for junior ice hockey, energized by their victory and the large viewing figures, even as players await due honors at home.