2025 Worlds Report Card: Sweden

Sweden entered the 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship determined to prove they could be a threat in the top tier. A perfect Group B run and strong defensive structure were bright spots, but a quarterfinal exit to Finland meant another year without a medal-round appearance. Still, the Damkronorna showed encouraging growth, and several emerging stars made their mark.

Offense | B

Sweden scored 21 goals in six games, ranking third in scoring efficiency at 11.05%. They peppered opponents with 190 shots, and it was Ebba Hedqvist, not one of the veterans, who led the charge. Just 18 years old, Hedqvist scored five goals and added one assist, with a stunning 55.56 shooting percentage, the best on the team.

Ebba Hedqvist pulls one back for @Trekronorse! 😮‍💨 #WomensWorlds #IIHF pic.twitter.com/Vw3m3vXDPR

— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) April 17, 2025

Linnea Johansson had a massive impact with two goals and five assists, leading the team in points (7) and plus-minus (+8). Sara Hjalmarsson dished out five assists, and Josefin Bouveng contributed five points as well.

Lina Ljungblom, though expected to be one of the leaders, ended the tournament with 3 points (2G, 1A), solid but a touch quieter than anticipated.

Sweden’s power play converted just once in 7 attempts (14.29%, 6th overall), and only managed 12 shots in the quarterfinal against Finland. That dip in offensive output against top-tier opponents is what keeps them from being an A.

Defense | B+

Sweden’s blue line was rock solid for most of the tournament. They allowed just 8 goals across 6 games, and their top defensive pairings were fantastic. Jenna Raunio led all defenders with a +12 and had three points, while captain Anna Kjellbin added another three points and a +11 rating. Mira Jungåker continued her breakout campaign with four assists and a +2.

Their ability to move the puck under pressure and activate in the offensive zone gave Sweden a ton of flexibility. But like the offense, the defense didn’t quite rise to the occasion against Finland, allowing two early goals in the quarterfinal.

Still, with names like Raunio, Jungåker, and Kjellbin leading the way, Sweden’s blue line looks set for years to come.

Goaltending | A-

The numbers don’t lie: Sweden’s goaltending was elite. The team posted a collective 93.60 save percentage, third-best in the tournament.

Emma Söderberg was the clear starter, playing five games with a 1.61 goals-against average, 92.66 SV%, two shutouts and even an assist. She kept Sweden in every game, and her poise under pressure was a major reason for their perfect group stage.

Ida Boman backed her up perfectly, earning a shutout of her own in her lone start, stopping all 16 shots she faced. That’s a perfect 100% SV% and 0.00 GAA in 60 minutes played. While Ebba Svensson Traff didn’t see action, she rounds out a very promising trio.

If Söderberg continues to hold the crease with support like that behind her, Sweden has little to worry about in goal.

MVP | Linnea Johansson

With seven points in six games, a +8 rating, and one game-winning goal, Johansson was the engine of Sweden’s offense. She played in all situations, made everyone around her better, and led by example. This was a breakout tournament for a player who already felt like a leader.

Honourable Mentions:

Ebba Hedqvist: Five goals, including two game-winners. Sweden’s most dangerous shooter and a constant offensive threat.

Emma Söderberg: Backstopped Sweden with consistency and confidence, and gave them a shot to win every game.