Swedish Women's Ice Hockey Team Opens 2026 Winter Olympics Against Germany in Crucial Match

The Swedish women's national ice hockey team, Tre Kronor dam, is set to commence their 2026 Winter Olympics campaign with a pivotal group stage match against Germany on February 5 at 12:10 PM local time. Hosted at the Milano Rho Ice Hockey arena, this game holds heightened significance for Sweden as they aim to secure top position in Group B, which also includes Japan, France, and Italy. Winning the group is vital for Sweden to avoid facing the powerhouses Canada and USA in the quarterfinals, who are favored to finish first and second in the tougher Group A.

The team captain, Anna Kjellbin, alongside assistant captains Sara Hjalmarsson and Hanna Olsson, lead the squad amid some physical setbacks; key players Hanna Thuvik and Ebba Hedqvist are recovering from illness, while Maja Nylén Persson returns post-injury. The goalie lineup remains undecided, with Tindra Holm as the third-choice goalkeeper. Forward Josefin Bouveng emphasized the importance of a strong start, stating, “It is important to get a good start to the tournament. Germany is a good team, but I think we are even better.”

Practice sessions have revealed challenging conditions, with players noting a warm rink and unusual ice acoustics that could impact gameplay. Adding levity to their Olympic experience, the team recently shared a unique prank involving humorous quotes from head coach Ulf Lundberg, showcasing their camaraderie ahead of the high-stakes competition.

Historically, the team last clinched an Olympic medal—a silver—in Turin 2006. This year’s tournament in Milan-Cortina offers another opportunity to shine on Italian ice. The match against Germany will be televised on TV4, drawing attention from Swedish fans eager to see their team’s performance under pressure.

As Tre Kronor dam prepares for this critical opener, the blend of experience, resilience, and team spirit will be tested with hopes of advancing successfully in the Olympic pursuit.