Shuffling in the standings in multiple birth years as season nears its end

The 2008-born No. 23 Los Angeles Jr. Kings, fresh off stellar showings at the T1EHL Playoffs and Pacific Districts, enjoyed a pleasant bump in the rankings. Downing some of the best teams their birth year has to offer provided the Jr. Kings a track to maneuver their way up the Top 10 U.S. teams. A run of play highlighted by holding off No. 25 Dallas Stars Elite in the 15O division TIEHL title game. 

After falling out of the top spot in our last rankings, No. 1 Little Caesars is back at the top of the ‘07 Top 25 thanks to crucial victories over No. 17 Shattuck-St. Mary’s and No. 10 U.S.-ranked Compuware by a combined 19-0. Since their last loss — a 2-1 overtime defeat to No. 20 Long Island Gulls back on Feb. 2 — they have rattled off six consecutive wins. 

But they are not the only team back in first place. Pittsburgh Penguins Elite settled back in as the No. 1 squad among 2011 programs by taking care of business against fellow Top 10 opponents. With recent wins against No. 2 Mid-Fairfield Jr. Rangers, No. 8 Rochester Coalition and a two-game split with No. 5 Little Caesars, Pens Elite has proven once again they are the team to beat in the age group. With an impressive week of their own, the South Shore Kings nabbed the No. 10 spot, having beaten the likes of the Jr. Rangers twice and No. 9 Philadelphia Hockey Club.

No. 9 Anaheim Jr. Ducks and No. 10 Philadelphia Hockey Club are back in the ‘09 Top 10 after extended absences. With wins over No. 8 Dallas Stars Elite and No. 2 St. Louis Blues, the Jr. Ducks bolstered their resume enough to be back among the elite after spending the last rankings out on the bubble. Not seeing a spot in the Top 10 since back on Sept. 28th, Philadelphia slid back in as winners of their last 12 as well.

Jokerit, Kärpät up their stock in Finland

No. 8 Jokerit held their own in three major ‘07 matchups, including a two-game set against No. 1 Kiekko-Espoo. Lauri Kouhia and Rasmus Kämäräinen each collected four points in a 5-2 victory in the first tilt against K-Espoo. In the second, Kouhia and Kämäräinen notched multi-point games once more, but Jokerit dropped a thrilling 6-5 decision in the shootout. The team rebounded with a winning effort against No. 9 Ässät, 6-3 the next time out. 

In the 2008 age group, No. 7 Kärpät Musta raised eyebrows with multiple Top 10 victories. First, they dispatched No. 8 Kärpät Valkoinen, 6-3. Next, a 4-1 winning effort against No. 9 KalPa. Taking care of the teams previously ahead of them usually leads to good things, and Musta is a prime example of that fact. 

Not to be outdone, but there was one other Finnish club that worked its way back into the Top 10 among ‘08s. KJT Haukat Blue, absent from the Top 10 since Nov. 9th, paved their way back in with three wins; two of them against ranked programs. Handling No. 6 Pelicans Turkoosi and No. 1 HIFK, provided enough of a lift to get them into a No. 10 placement. 

Be sure to check out the complete world rankings, including Top 10s by country and World Top 25s for each of the 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 birth years.

Top-10 matchup in Toronto highlights packed week of games

Each week, World Hockey Hub highlights a few of the most exciting upcoming games in youth hockey. We have some early matchups this week. Atlant Mytishchi and Spartak Moscow kick things off with an ‘09 Top-10 tilt on Monday. Toronto Marlboros and Toronto Jr. Canadiens tangle in a premier matchup between 2007s in Canada on Tuesday. The week concludes with TPS dropping the puck in an ‘08 meeting with Tappara Sininen on Saturday. 

‘07 Jr. Canadiens continue to have Marlboros’ number

No. 1 Toronto Marlboros (54-10-0) have been one of the best 2007-born teams all season long. It is rare that they have an off night, let alone multiple ones against one particular team. The No. 10 Toronto Jr. Canadiens (42-11-4), however, have figured out a way to best the Marlboros twice this season. 

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Tuesday, February 28 @ 8:15 PM EST
Herbert Carnegie Centre

With each side in full control of all aspects of their game, this one is shaping up to be a true heavyweight battle. There must be something in the water in Toronto, because the Jr. Canadiens and Marlboros can seemingly score at will. With goal differentials of plus-226 for the Marlboros and plus-122 for the Jr. Canadiens, it’s clear goals won’t be hard to come by.

The Marlboros will be out to prove that they deserve their No. 1 status, but another loss to the Jr. Canadiens could certainly place some doubt in fans’ minds. A third win for the Jr. Canadiens would be a very nice listing on their resume and may even have World Rankings implications further down the road. 

Pete’s Pick: Probably the most even matchup out of the games we’ve highlighted this week, and it honestly could go either way. I think the Jr. Canadiens will put up a heck of a fight, but the added motivation from the Marlboros to not drop another decision to their fellow Toronto foe gives them the 4-3 win. 

Craig’s Pick: The Marlies’ William Moore, Matheas Stark and Jaeden Nelson, and Jr. Canadiens Nico Addy will have to shift gears quickly. Saturday, they were teammates for Team Ontario at the 2023 Canada Winter Games. Just three days later, they’re opponents in Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL) play. Makes for an interesting dynamic in the fourth matchup of the season. I give the Marlies a significant edge, 5-2 to tie the season series two wins apiece. 

Laskavy, Pavlov lead ‘09 squads into Top-10 Russian matchup 

No. 10 Atlant Mytishchi (22-11-1) will look to even up its season series against No. 4 Spartak Moscow (28-6-2) in the final regular season meeting on Monday. Each 2009-born club has alternated wins since the first game back on Oct. 2. 

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Monday, February 27 

Atlant had no answer for Spartak in a 7-1 defeat in its most recent outing on Christmas Day. With plenty of time to regroup after that loss, they have since gone 13-4-1. Recently, however, they had a five-game win streak snapped at the hands of No. 3 CSKA Moscow. Spartak had their own five-game winning streak ended over the weekend as well with a 3-2 overtime loss to CSKA.

Leading them into this tilt will be Artemy Laskavy (35G, 45A) and Gleb Zhukov (25G, 34A). In the three prior contests, Zhukov has tallied three goals and four points with Laskavy also adding one goal. Spartak will counter with Dmitry Pavlov (22G, 20A) and Daniil Savin (17G, 25A). Perhaps most impressive is that in the series, Pavlov and Savin have been held in check by Atlant, with most of the offense coming from other areas of the lineup. The two top scorers for Spartak have only recorded a combined five points. 

Pete’s Pick: If the three previous games have shown anything, it’s that even when Spartak’s top players aren’t producing, they have the depth to more than make up for it. For that reason alone they come out on top in this one, 5-2. 

Craig’s Pick: Savin has 17 points in his last 10 games, and Pavlov has 15 in his last nine. If they’ve been held in check in previous meetings, I don’t see it happening this week. Spartak’s tandem is playing well heading down the stretch, and I think they run away with this one, 5-2 as well.

Miro Aaltonen hopes to change TPS’ fortunes vs. Tappara

In yet another rematch this week, No. 5 TPS (25-8-1) will look for revenge against No. 3 Tappara Sininen (25-4-5) in a Top-10 clash of ’08 Finnish teams. 

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Saturday, March 4

The last time these sides laced up the skates against one another on Feb. 4, it was a long night for TPS and goaltender Sisu Timonen in a 5-1 loss. Timonen did his best in the crease, turning aside 41 shots. Surprisingly, the dynamic duo of Petteri Sakki and Miko Vatjus were not the main names on the scoresheet for Tappara. Those honors went to Benjamin Lehtinen and Oliver Raimovaara, who notched three and two points, respectively. 

Despite limiting their damage, TPS will have to be wary of Vatjus (8G, 15A) and Sakki (10G, 12A), as both top the scorers list for the group. In order to combat that production, Paavo Fugleberg (11G, 9A) and Miro Aaltonen (11G, 4A) will do their best to get some pucks past Tappara’s defense. A more concentrated team effort in front of whoever tends the net for TPS will help as well. 

Pete’s Pick: TPS will have to be much tighter as a unit to have any chance of coming away with a victory here. They struggled with Tappara’s depth last game, and Timonen did all he could, facing nearly 50 shots. While I don’t think it’s as big a gap as 5-1, Tappara takes another win here, 4-2. Special teams will be crucial, but watch out for Sakki and Vatjus. They have three shorthanded goals to their credit already.

Craig’s Pick: If giving up 46 shots was a rarity, I’d chalk it up as an anomaly for TPS. However, they’ve been outshot — and surrendering 30-plus in most games — in six of their last nine contests. You give a team like Tappara that many cracks at the net and they’re bound to make you pay. Petteri Saki, Miko Vatjus and company roll again for Tappara 5-1.

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Korhonen, Savolainen’s consistency has led to success

At 26-12-0, it can be easy to say that this season has been a success so far for ‘07 Finnish No. 9 Jokerit. After compiling a 19-5-0 record in the first set of group play matchups, their current stretch has started off slowly. Sitting at 5-6-0, they hope a strong finish can not only bolster their placement in the group standings, but the World Rankings as well. 

A large reason they feel the confidence to take advantage of their remaining games is the fact they are equipped with two of the best goaltenders in the group. You’d be hard pressed to find two better netminders that regularly compete against the Top 10 teams from their country. Statistically, Jokerit’s dynamic duo of Pekka Korhonen and Sakari Savolainen are the premier stoppers of the puck among fellow U16 squads. 

Both goalies have split time fairly evenly, with Korhonen suiting up in four games compared to Savolainen’s six starts. In those four starts, Korhonen has compiled a .911 save percentage and 2.79 goals-against average. Savolainen has a .908 save percentage and 2.33 goals-against average, boosted by also garnering a shutout against No. 6 HIFK

In the first set of group matches played from Sept. 9 to Dec. 10 of this season, Korhonen established a .907 save percentage and 2.09 goals against. Savolainen skated to a .895 save percentage and 2.25 goals against.

For the most part, Jokerit’s defenders do a decent job of limiting scoring chances, as they have only allowed 30 or more shots in a game four times. The reason to believe that Jokerit can put together some decent success in the next few weeks is just looking at their most recent outing against No. 1 K-Espoo. Korhonen aided his team by stopping 27 shots in the 5-2 statement win.

With the second game of their series slated for Friday, Feb. 24, a second win could only strengthen Jokerit’s confidence down the home stretch. A schedule that sees them face off against four Top-10 ranked clubs in the country. 

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Two of the top ‘07 U.S. clubs highlight busy week

Each week, World Hockey Hub highlights a few of the most exciting upcoming games in youth hockey. It’s a full slate of games to keep an eye on this week. Djurgardens IF and AIK Hockey kick things off with an ‘08 Top-10 tilt on Wednesday. CSKA Moscow and Vityaz Podolsk tangle in a premier matchup between 2011s in Russia on Thursday. Then, we head North of the border for an ‘09 clash between Don Mills Flyers and Toronto Red Wings. The week concludes with Shattuck-St. Mary’s dropping the puck in an ‘07 meeting with Little Caesars on Saturday. 

‘07 SSM looks for first victory against Caesars this season

In the three times that No 2. Little Caesars (61-6-2) has faced off with No. 17 Shattuck-St. Mary’s (29-16-4) this season, they have been victorious. With one final game remaining in their season series, Shattuck looks to finally solve a club that has been a thorn in their side.

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Saturday, February 26 @ 2 PM EST
Belfor Arena

In those three previous contests, Caesars outscored Shattuck 15-4. Despite the solid seasons of their top point getters, Shattuck’s inability to shut down the explosive attack of Caesars has been a big factor. Their blue line and goalies should prepare for another long night of wave after wave of offense. As a result, players like Aaron Obobaifo (34G, 21A) and Gavin Katz (28G, 23A) will have to do the heavy lifting for Shattuck in this one. 

Pete’s Pick: I’d like to give Shattuck more credit here, but I think the depth of Caesars is just too much for them to overcome. With the first three games coming in Shattuck’s own barn, now they are heading on the road. Trying to take down one of the best teams in not only their birth year, but youth hockey this season won’t be easy. Caesars sweeps the season series with a 5-1 win.

Craig’s Pick: Caesars has not been at its best lately. If ever there was a time for Shattuck to catch ‘em, it’s now. However, I think even on an off night, Little Caesars’ good is better than most everyone else’s best. Will Horcoff, Aiden Janz and Little Caesars in a close one, 4-2.

AIK hopes for more consistency in ‘08 tilt with Djurgårdens

No. 9 AIK Hockey (20-11-3) will lace up the skates against No. 2 Djurgårdens IF (29-14-10) on Wednesday. They also will not be quick to forget how they lost a 2-0 lead in the last meeting between these two squads in an eventual 3-2 loss. 

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Wednesday, February 22
Mälarhöjdens Ishall

Back on Jan. 11, it seemed as though AIK was well on its way to a victory. However, a shorthanded goal from Nick Travergård would cut the lead in half, things were quickly tied up about three minutes later. Sebastian Von Berens would net the winning goal with minutes left in regulation to give Djurgårdens the comeback victory.

Travergård, the leading scorer on DIF with 12 goals and 24 points, will lead his squad into this matchup. Just behind him in overall group scoring is AIK’s Filip Nyberg with 11 goals and 22 points. In the meeting in January, Nyberg notched a goal and assist. Given how things played out last time these two shared a sheet of ice, special teams will be crucial. 

Pete’s Pick: AIK proved they could skate with a team like Djurgårdens last time out, they just ran out of gas. A near-perfect game is needed to beat a team of Djurgårdens caliber. I believe they learned a hard lesson last time out, and will get a victory back in this one, 4-3. 

Craig’s Pick: Last time out, I think it just took DIF a little while to get going. Clearly, once they did, AIK couldn’t keep up with the three unanswered goals. I like Djurgårdens to get out to a better start in this one, play with a lead, and hang onto it. DIF over AIK 4-2.

CSKA, Vityaz collide in 2011 meeting

It has been quite some time since No. 7 CSKA Moscow (25-12-2) and No. 8 Vityaz Podolsk (27-6-1) have seen one another in competitive play. They will reignite their season series on Thursday before ending their 2022-23 schedules against one another in April. 

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Thursday, February 23

Alexei Katsuro (17G, 19A) and Darius Malyshev (24G, 25A), leaders in scoring for CSKA, only accounted for one point in the previous 4-1 loss to Vityaz. Mikhail Maltsev (47G, 44A), Petr Bedretdinov (35G, 35A) and Kirill Rodionov (36G, 33A) form the formidable trio for Vityaz. Rodionov collected four points, along with a natural hat trick against CSKA back in that April contest. Maltsev added two helpers as well.

It’s an intriguing game, as Vityaz has been the hotter team as of late but CSKA has the skill to skate with any fellow Top-10 team in Russia. Ultimately, whichever team has their top players going in this one will be coming out on top. 

Pete’s Pick: I like Vityaz’s stretch of play over the past few weeks. They have been beating the teams they need to beat with little issue. CSKA has collected the wins, but some games make me wonder if they at times play up or down to their opponent. I think Vityaz skates away with the win here, 3-2. 

Craig’s Pick: Much of Vityaz’ success in the last meeting stemmed from keeping CSKA’s top scorers at bay. That’s a tough task to achieve twice, and I don’t think Katsuro and Malyshev can be contained to just one point a second time. They open up the offense, and CSKA gets the 5-2 win.

Toronto, Don Mills throw down in ‘09 battle

No. 1 Don Mills Flyers (47-5-4) and No. 23 Toronto Red Wings (37-11-5) will meet on Friday in the third game of their season series. Don Mills won the first contest, 3-1 with the second game ending in a 3-3 tie on Jan. 6. 

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Friday, February 24 @ 8:50 PM EST
Chesswood 2

Each club enters this contest winners of six straight, so you would be hard pressed to find another game where both teams are coming in with this much confidence. Toronto knowingly is heading into this matchup with the feeling that they have a large task ahead of them. But, given how close the previous matchups have been, it should give them some added confidence that they can pull out a win. 

Pete’s Pick: Toronto can surprise in this matchup, but I think Don Mills has a bit more depth. Sometimes it can take a bounce here or there, yet just feels like Toronto would need a good amount of those. It’s another close one, with Don Mills taking a 3-2 final. 

Craig’s Pick: I like DMF too. This will be a very competitive, exciting game with plenty of back and forth, I don’t doubt that. I just think when the dust settles, it’s Don Mills standing victorious, 3-2. 

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Big wins lead to movement across multiple birth years

2007-born No. 16 Chicago Mission made a huge statement with a 7-0 takedown of No. 17 Shattuck-St. Mary’s, boosting them up a spot in the U.S. and World Rankings. It was the biggest deficit Shattuck has experienced yet this season, proving that no team in the Top 10 for American programs is safe. After two solid wins against No. 25 Mount St. Charles, No. 20 Long Island Gulls too enjoyed a nice bump in the Top 25 for ‘07 teams. 

Two ‘09 programs raised their standing as well in the respective Top 10s of their countries. 

No. 12 Boston Jr. Eagles secured victories over No. 13 Pittsburgh Penguins Elite and No. 22 New Jersey Rockets. Overseas, No. 7 Dynamo St. Petersburg was led by top scorer Kiril Khristoforov into two matchups against teams directly ahead of them in the Russian standings. They passed with flying colors, defeating No. 8 SKA St. Petersburg and No. 9 SKA Strelna, 5-2 and 6-3, respectively. By passing them, Dynamo also secured the final spot in the Top 25 of ‘09 teams. 

No country or birth year experienced more movement than ‘07 Finnish squads. Overall, seven teams switched positions, with the largest move from Lukko from No. 9 to No. 7. Ässät also re-entered the chat and settled into a Top-10 spot after missing out in the last rankings. 

Mid-Fairfield, Nacka Crowned as New No. 1’s

Nacka HK recorded a 3-1-0 stretch since the last rankings update, with no win proving more vital than a 6-1 romp of No. 2 Täby HC. The victory propelled Nacka as the new No. 1 among ‘07 Swedes. It was a dominating performance right from puck drop. Täby netminder Vincent Österlund was peppered with 35 shots the entire contest, and three skaters from Nacka recorded multi-point performances. Standing out were Olle Jöstedt (1G, 2A), Olle Därth (1G, 1A) and Matiss Zilitis (2A). Felix Tolke stood firm in his crease, holding back the usually explosive offense of Täby to just the one goal on 25 shots. 

The Top 10 of 2011-born U.S. clubs also experienced a shift at the top with the Mid-Fairfield Jr. Rangers overtaking Pittsburgh Penguins Elite for the No. 1 crown. Both teams faced off against a healthy dose of Canadian competition, often against the same opponents. But when it came time to square off for U.S. bragging rights, Mid-Fairfield edged out a 3-2 win. The victory was the sixth in a row for the Jr. Rangers, while it also snapped the Penguins’ win streak at six.

Cracking the Top 10 Rankings

Hermes Punainen has not been a name frequently heard this season around the ‘08 World Rankings. Playing in Finland, they compete in a stacked group with teams such as No. 4 JYP, No. 7 Kärpät Valkoinen, No. 8 Kärpät Musta and No. 10 KalPa. A bubble team for a majority of this season, a big series or victory could finally allow Hermes to leapfrog into the Top 10. With two crucial wins over KalPa, the time finally came with Hermes making its mark at No. 9. A fellow Finnish team that also played their way into the Top 10 conversation was 2009-born Ilves Florida. They have been off to a pleasant start in the continuation of group play.

Another bubble team hovering around the ‘09 Top 10 for the U.S. has been the Florida Alliance. With two solid showings against No. 4 Penguins Elite and No. 8 Dallas Stars Elite, they squeezed their way into the fray, earning the No. 10 spot. 

Two 2011 teams from the U.S. and Russia built up their resumes enough to cross the line from bubble to ranked distinction. No. 10 Chicago Mission defeated the likes of No. 6 Chicago Reapers, former No. 7 Windy City Storm twice and split a two-game set with No. 5 Oakland Jr. Grizzlies. Success that resulted in them taking the No. 10 position. An overtime victory against No. 1 Dynamo St. Petersburg gave No. 10 SKA St. Petersburg enough juice to make it into the top tier of Russia. 

Be sure to check out the complete world rankings, including Top 10s by country and World Top 25s for each of the 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 birth years.

Each week, World Hockey Hub highlights a few of the most exciting upcoming games in youth hockey. This weekend will be jam-packed with premier matchups to keep an eye on. Shattuck-St. Mary’s will battle Mount St. Charles in a Top-10 tilt on Friday. Heading North of the border for an ‘09 all-Toronto clash between the Jr. Canadians and Marlboros. The week concludes overseas with a matchup between Boo HC and Södertälje SK. CSKA Moscow and Vityaz Podolsk tangle in a Top-10 matchup between 2007s in Russia.

Shattuck, Mount St. Charles drop puck in Top-10 meeting

No. 10 Mount St. Charles (28-14-2) has a huge opportunity in its upcoming three-game series against No. 1 Shattuck-St. Mary’s (44-2-2). An opportunity to see how they fare against one of the best teams of their 2006 birth year. It will be the first time this season the clubs will face off against one another.

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Friday, February 17 @ 3:30 PM MST
Shattuck-St. Mary’s Ice Arena

Winners of their last four, Shattuck has been one of the most offensively gifted teams this season. Seemingly scoring at will, they are equipped with a plus-226 goal differential. Ryker Lee and Jack Galanak have supplied a good portion of the goals, recording 109 and 91 points, respectively. Aside from those two, 13 players have recorded 30 or more points in their campaign. 

Mount is looking to get back in the win column coming off a 3-1 loss to South Kent Selects Academy their last time out. 

‘09 Marlboros look to best Jr. Canadiens for first time this year

In the two games No. 1 Toronto Jr. Canadiens (38-10-1) and No. 9 Toronto Marlboros (38-15-5) met this season, both resulted in defeats for the Marlboros. Set for the third game of their GTHL series, the Marlboros will attempt to change their fortunes on Saturday.

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Friday, February 17 @ 8:35 PM EST
Etobicoke Ice Sports 3

The Jr. Canadiens recently saw a seven-game win streak halted by the Toronto Titans. Despite the blip on the radar, they still are considered among the elite of 2009-born Canadian programs. They can score at will, defend and their goaltending has been solid. Over the last 10 games alone, they are 8-2-0 while outscoring their opposition 39-10. 

It has been a different story on the other end of the rink for the Marlboros. 4-5-1 in their last 10, and they have struggled to gain any footing to help their way up the World Rankings. Given the close nature in which they played the Jr. Canadiens in their two losses, Friday’s meeting is a huge opportunity for them to gain some confidence back and begin the final stretch of games on a good note. 

CSKA, Vityaz clash for top ‘07 Russian spot

The top two 2007-born Russian teams will be going head to head this weekend. No. 1 CSKA Moscow (18-5-2) will square off with No. 2 Vityaz Podolsk (34-3-1) on Sunday. 

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Sunday, February 19

Both teams are coming off losses. The last meting between the two was a 4-2 loss for Vityaz back on Jan. 19.

This will be the fourth and final time in the regular season these sides will battle it out, with CSKA currently leading the season series 2-1. 

Roman Rizvanov’s 34 goals and 47 points top CSKA’s leaderboards, with playmaker Nikita Esipov’s 10 goals and 42 points sitting in second. 

Alexander Zharovsky (39G, 55A), Daniil Terenin (44G, 53A) and Vladislav Lander (26G, 39A) serve as the main trio for Vityaz. A true model of consistency, Zharovsky has been piling up the points at a point per game pace. 

Boo, SSK look for separation in ‘08 group play

No. 4 Boo HC (25-7-6) looks to avenge a 2-0 loss to No. 5 Södertälje SK (14-7-7) back on Jan. 16 when they take to the ice against their ‘08 Swedish foes on Sunday. 

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Sunday, February 19
Björknäs Ishall

In that loss, Boo goaltender Leon Andersson stopped 20 of 22 shots. Getting a majority of the starts for his squad, he has recorded a 1.29 goals-against average and .943 save percentage to go along with three shutouts. Numbers that are good for second-best in the group. At even-strength play, only 15 shots have found their way past him in all contests. 

While no skater for either side is blazing up the top point-getters list, each comes equipped with their own dependable scorers. Boo will be led by Viggo Fors and his 11 points in 15 games, with Hugo Mikaelsson just behind with 10. Södertälje will counter with Patric Hellström and his 11 points across 13 contests. 

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U16 and U17 Squads set to compete in Czech 3 Nations and Swiss 5 Nations Tournaments this month

The Sweden Ice Hockey Federation announced final rosters for this month’s under-16 Three Nation’s tournament and under-17 Five Nations tournament. In total, 17 former Sweden Selects players will suit up to once again represent their country on the international stage. 

Eleven 2007-born youth hockey players will skate in Kopřivnice, Czech Republic, for Sweden’s U16 national team. This comes less than four years after they represented Sweden at the World Selects Invitational and World Selects Trophy tournaments. 

Additionally, six 2006s will head to Romanshorn, Switzerland, for the U17 Five Nation’s Tournament. They last represented Sweden in 2019 at the 13U World Selects Invitational in Chamonix, France.

Names like Love Härenstam, Anton Frondell, Melvin Novotny and Jakob Ihs-Wozniak are among some of the most notable youth hockey prospects in Sweden. Other Sweden Selects alumni include:

Sweden U16
Noa Bräutigam
Oliwer Sjöström
Filip Ekberg
Milton Gästrin
Sigge Holmgren
Aron Dahlqvist
Zeb Lindgren

Sweden U17
Felix Öhrqvist
Alfons Freij
Leo Sahlin-Wallenius
Viggo Nordlund
Filip Holst-Persson
Joakim Engholm