WJC: Swedish BB Force

Sweden is icing a competitive World Junior team with no obvious weak links on a roster based largely on the same key cogs that engineered last spring's surprising bronze-medal performance at the U18 World Championship.

For the third year in a row, they are lead by coach Torgny Bendelin, who so far has been unable to lead his country to any kind of U20 success despite having rosters dotted with the likes of Alexander Steen, Loui Eriksson, Robert Nilsson and Johan Fransson. Joining Bendelin behind the bench this year is Roger Ronnberg, an assistant coach with Lulea in the Swedish Elite League and previously the director of Lulea's successful junior program which prospered under his leadership.

Whether Ronnberg's presence will be enough for Sweden to capture a medal this year remains to be seen however.

One thing this club doesn't lack though is experience as the roster is composed entirely of players who are either in professional leagues (SEL, Swe 2, AHL) or the CHL.

In fact, the number in the Swedish Elitserien has increased dramatically from previous years. Consequently, this group is better accustomed to performing in front of large crowds with mass media coverage similar to what will greet them in British Columbia.

Though dominated by skilled players, past Swedish teams have traditionally been made of junior leaguers who sometimes got intimidated in the big games against strong opposition.

The experience and mental strength this year's squad is what ultimately could bring Sweden into the semifinals this time around, and possibly to the medal podium.

AHLer Nicklas Bergfors and young Brynas star Nicklas Backstrom were both key individuals in April at the U18 WJC, where Sweden won their first international junior medal in five years. The same duo will, not surprisingly, be carrying the offense this time as well, with the following group as their main supporting cast:

Daniel Larsson, G, Hammarby

A backup at the U18's tournament two years ago, the 19-year-old Larsson will be the likely starter. He has been the best goalie in the Swedish second league this fall, and has improved both his poise and his positional game over the last couple of years. Boasts a sharp glove hand, good agility and most importantly for this tournament, strong nerves.

Tobias Viklund, D, MoDo

Has surpassed teammate Oscar Hedman as Sweden's best junior defenseman. Viklund's skating has progressed from excellent to terrific during the last year. He is not only sound defensively, but is also a very good passer and puckhandler. His shot still needs to improve, however he still gets occasional minutes on the powerplay in the SEL and knows how to get the puck on net at least.

Alexander Edler, D, Kelowna

Edler will actually be making his national team debut at the WJC's. He was the top scoring defenseman in the Swedish junior league last season and has carried on at the same pace in the WHL. Very gifted with the puck and an excellent playmaker, Edler should be one of the best powerplay quarterbacks this tournament has to offer.

Erik Andersson, C, HV71

Undrafted 19-year old has been nominated for the SEL rookie-of-the-year award, a nomination well-deserved. Will be a very important player on this team given his extremely mature hockey sense, strong work habits, and the fact he doesn't crack under pressure. Not a bad playmaker and can also finish off plays when called upon. Brings invaluable experience to this event as he already gets icetime in all key situations in the SEL.

Robin Lindqvist, RW, Lulea

Captain of the U18 WJC team last season and a lock for this roster as well. However, Lindqvist suffered a knee injury in November which he has only recently recovered from and could translate into a slow start at the tournament. Skilled with the puck and a smart two-way player who also brings a physical dimension to the team as he doesn't hesitate to finish checks using his good-sized frame.

Other notables:

Mattias Ritola, LW, Leksand

A creative winger with above-average speed and stickhandling abilities, Ritola has shown flashes of brilliance in the SEL with the struggling Leksand club and should be able to be a more consistent threat against players his own age. He could add a great deal of secondary scoring to the Swedish team if he brings his best form.

Fredrik Pettersson, RW, Calgary

The 18-year old winger has delivered a strong first half in his rookie WHL season, even though he hasn't exactly been tearing up the league in terms of scoring. However, he's always good internationally and brings a tremendous amount of heart, energy and creativity to the mix. Another member of last year's U18 WJC team.

Anton Stralman, D, Timra

Aside from Alexander Edler, Stralman is probably the Swedish defenseman who could contribute the most offensively. He likes to join the rush and possesses a creative approach the game to accompany a fairly good slapshot. Though he could also look lanky and a little lost in his own end when the going gets tough.