Sweden captured its first World Juniors
gold in 14 years, and just the third in program history. Two of the key figures
were goaltender Love Härenstam and captain Jack Berglund, who once again led
the way for his team. When the final horn sounded, the celebration was
unrestrained.
“What a group! I’m so impressed with how we
come out today. Wow. There’s so much character in this team, I don’t even know
what to say. I’m so proud of the guys, and I’m so happy, I’m so happy,” said Jack
Berglund to the Swedish TV channel SVT after the game.
Berglund recorded the primary assist on
Sweden’s first two goals of the game. In postgame interviews, he was quick to
emphasize the team effort and how much the moment meant to him personally.
“You can hardly win anything bigger than
this. You grow up with this tournament. To have the honor of wearing the C is
huge, and it doesn’t get any better than this. I’m so happy,” he said.
He continued: “We’ve been talking about
this since the summer, and I felt that something good was coming. Everyone has
just grown throughout the tournament,” said Jack Berglund to SVT after the
final buzzer.
When asked what he will remember most,
Berglund did not hesitate with his answer.
“It’s the brotherhood. In this group, we’re
everything to each other. From the players and coaches to the staff, everyone
around us and everyone who has supported us. But above all, it’s this small
group. Wow. I have no words,” said Jack Berglund to SVT.
Another strong performer in the final was
goaltender Love Härenstam. Czechia scored two late goals to cut into the lead,
but before that Härenstam turned aside several high-danger chances. When the
final horn sounded, he was visibly overcome with emotion.
“The best feeling in the world. I’ve never
been this happy. So much fun,” said Härenstam to SVT.
“We play really well, and they do a good
job six-on-five at the end. Then it’s an incredible feeling when Ivar Stenberg
manages to poke the puck in and you can finally let the emotions out. It’s
magical!”
