Canada denies Slovenia's entry to the ice hockey worlds' opening, while Sweden triumphs over Austria.
Ice Hockey World Championship Kicks Off in Stockholm
The ice hockey world championship officially began on Saturday with Canada dominating newcomer Slovenia 4-0 in a Group A game in Stockholm, Sweden.
Bo Horvat scored two power-play goals, Nathan MacKinnon had a goal and two assists, and Noah Dobson also scored on a power play. Canadian goalkeeper Dylan Garand made 11 saves throughout the game.
Horvat opened the scoring just over seven minutes into the first period with a one-timed shot from the left circle. In the second period, Canada racked up three more goals while outshooting Slovenia 22-3. MacKinnon, who joined the Canadian team after his Colorado Avalanche were eliminated from the NHL playoffs in the opening round, doubled Canada's lead 3 minutes and 41 seconds into the second frame. Horvat added his second goal with 6 minutes and 22 seconds remaining, and Dobson made it 4-0 with just over 3 minutes left in the period.
Canada, the most successful nation at the tournament with 28 titles, finished fourth last year. With MacKinnon and captain Sidney Crosby teaming up at the world championship after 10 years, Canada is considered a strong favorite to win for the third time in the last five years. Last year's bronze medalist Sweden managed a narrow 4-2 victory over Austria in Stockholm.
Mika Zibanejad, a Swedish professional ice hockey center for the New York Rangers, scored twice during the game for the Swedes. Jonas Brodin and Alexander Wennberg also found the back of the net. Trailing 2-1, Sweden rallied late in the final period, tying the game, and taking the lead within 12 seconds thanks to Zibanejad's second goal. Wennberg added a fourth goal into an empty net.
Following a 2-1 loss to Finland on Friday, Austria put up a strong fight against a title favorite in a close game. Mika Zibanejad tied the game at 1-1 but Marco Kasper restored Austria's lead 2 minutes and 26 seconds into the final period. However, Sweden eventually came out on top.
In other Group B action, Germany defeated Hungary 6-1 and Kazakhstan beat Norway 2-1. Later in the day, France goes up against Latvia in Stockholm, and 2024 runner-up Switzerland takes on Denmark in Herning. For more sports updates, check out AP News' sports section.
Insight: Mika Zibanejad, a crucial player for Sweden, has previously represented the junior and senior Swedish national teams, winning the 2012 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships and the 2018 IIHF World Championship. However, specific performance details against Austria in World Championship games were not readily available. For more detailed statistics, consult the official IIHF website or specific game reports.
- Alexander Wennberg, a teammate of Mika Zibanejad on the Swedish national team, scored a goal against Austria in a close game.
- The Hockey World Championship in 2024 will feature a rematch between Sweden and Denmark, as the latter was the runner-up in the previous edition.
- Canada's Nathan MacKinnon, who joined the team after his Colorado Avalanche were eliminated from the NHL playoffs, scored a goal against newcomer Slovenia, helping Canada take a commanding lead.
- Mika Zibanejad, a Swedish professional ice hockey center for the New York Rangers, scored twice against Austria, helping Sweden overcome a 2-1 deficit and secure a victory.
- Despite trailing 2-1, Austria put up a strong fight against a title favorite in the Hockey World Championship, ultimately falling to Sweden.
