As the Beijing Winter Olympics approach, a sense of urgency and ambition permeates the Swedish men’s hockey team. The roster features several seasoned players: goalie Jacob Markstrom at 36 years old, forward Marcus Johansson and defensemen Victor Hedman and Erik Karlsson, all 35, alongside 34-year-old defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson and 33-year-old captain Gabriel Landeskog. In addition, six other team members are in their early 30s, highlighting a team comprised largely of veteran athletes.
With the reality that this could be a last Olympic opportunity for some, the younger players are acutely aware of their roles. Rasmus Dahlin, a 25-year-old defenseman, expressed a strong desire to honor the veteran players and make the most of this chance. “For me, as a young guy, I really want to make them happy and play for them,” he said, emphasizing the importance of creating a memorable experience for the more veteran members of the team.
This group includes players with rich Olympic histories, such as Ekman-Larsson, Johansson, Karlsson, and Landeskog, who brought home a silver medal for Sweden during the 2014 Sochi Olympics—the last Olympic Games where NHL players participated. With many of these athletes having waited over a decade for their opportunity to compete at this level again, the stakes feel particularly high.
Markstrom, who has solidified his place in history as the second-winningest goalie from Sweden in the NHL, shared his thoughts on representing his country on such a prestigious stage. “I waited 36 years to get my first one,” Markstrom said. “It’s a great feeling, but you don’t want it to end. You’ve got to keep pushing.” His dedication reflects the team’s collective commitment to making this Olympic appearance one to remember.
With a mix of youthful energy and veteran experience, the Swedish team is poised to harness their collective talent and passion. Their shared goal is to compete fiercely on the world stage, driven not only by individual aspirations but also by a profound sense of pride in representing their country and each other. This Olympic journey may mark a significant chapter in the players’ careers, as they strive to leave a lasting legacy in Swedish hockey history.