Jack Berglund scored twice in the third period, including a short-handed marker 43 seconds into the frame, as Sweden rallied to beat Canada 4-2 in a pre-World Junior Hockey Championship contest on Saturday night.
Canada, with second-period goals from Tij Iginla and Braeden Cootes, took a 2-1 lead into the third period at Canada Life Place.
Victor Eklund and Ivar Stenberg also scored for Sweden, who were outshot 25-16. Jack Ivankovic was in goal for Canada, while Love Harenstam played net for Sweden.
"We started a little slow and then picked it up in the second period. I thought we had some good looks and probably could have scored a few more goals. Obviously, a couple of tough bounces, a couple of bad luck breaks, but that’s hockey, those things are going to happen," said Canadian coach Dale Hunter.
"At the end of the day, we missed our chances, and when they had looks, they buried it.”
Sweden had lost 2-1 to Canada on Wednesday in an exhibition contest at Kitchener Memorial Auditorium.
“Sweden is a good team, and we know that we can’t underestimate anyone. It’s hockey; mistakes are going to happen, but it’s about how many you can limit and how you respond when they do happen," said Cameron Reid of Team Canada.
"We know this isn’t going to be an easy tournament. Every team is going to bring their best against us. Everyone wants to beat Canada and I think that’s an important lesson for this group to learn here today.”
Canada went 0-for-5 on the power play Saturday, while Sweden was 0-for-2.
Canada's final pre-tourney test is scheduled for Tuesday when the squad faces Denmark in Mankato, Minn. Canada's first game in the world junior tournament is Boxing Day against Czechia in Minneapolis, Minn.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 20, 2025.
