Jessheim 2025: Sweden’s Path to Milano Cortina

When the puck drops at the 2025 World Para Ice Hockey Paralympic Winter Games Qualification Tournament, six teams will skate for the final two slots up for grabs at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games. 

Taking place in Jessheim, Norway from 5-10 November, the tournament will feature: Slovakia, Korea, Norway, Japan, Sweden and Kazakhstan. 

The USA, Canada, Czechia, China and Germany have already secured their tickets to the Paralympic Winter Games by finishing in the top five at the A-Pool Worlds.

Here’s an inside look at Team Sweden heading into the Qualification Tournament.

How they got here

Sweden earned their place in Jessheim through its performance at the 2025 World Championships B-Pool, finishing just shy of promotion but showing strong signs of resurgence with a bronze medal. 

A cornerstone nation in Para ice hockey’s early history, Sweden has spent recent years rebuilding its programme with a focus on integrating young talent and increasing depth across all positions. Now, with renewed structure and leadership, the Swedes arrive in Norway looking to reclaim a spot among the world’s elite.

The stage is set in Jessheim, Norway 🇳🇴
Six nations will battle from 5–10 November at the 2025 World Para Ice Hockey Paralympic Winter Games Qualification Tournament!

Who will claim them? 🔥

Read more 🔗 https://t.co/bllQ5eLb5q#ParaIceHockey #MilanoCortina2026 pic.twitter.com/kYKrYLD2Vm

— Para Ice Hockey (@paraicehockey) September 23, 2025

Winter Games history 

For Sweden, this tournament is more than just a qualifier; it’s a mission to restore the nation’s proud tradition in the sport and secure a return to the Paralympic stage. Sweden boasts a rich Paralympic history in Para ice hockey.

A founding nation of the sport, Sweden made its Paralympic debut at Lillehammer 1994 and competed in multiple editions through the 2018 Games. Their best finish came with a bronze medal at the Nagano 1998 Paralympics, a moment that remains a highlight in the program’s legacy. After missing Beijing 2022, the team is determined to return to the Games for Milano-Cortina 2026.

Roster

Forwards: Robin Dahlstedt, Caroline Persson, Markus Lopez, Per Kaperij, Elliott Szeplaky, Magnus Eklund, Robin Meng
Defenders: Peter Ojala, Peter Nilsson, Hugo Liljeaek
Goaltenders: Ulf Nilsson, Dennis Jansson
Head Coach: Hakan Stroemberg

Keys to Victory

The Swedes are known for their organized defensive play and ability to transition quickly through the neutral zone. Their veteran leadership, anchored by players with past Paralympic and World Championship experience, will be essential in close games. Capitalizing on scoring chances and maintaining composure under pressure will be decisive, especially against fast, physical opponents like Korea and Norway.

Game Schedule

Wednesday, 5 November @ 19:00 vs. Norway
Thursday, 6 November @ 15:30 vs. Korea
Friday, 7 November @ 19:00 vs. Slovakia
Sunday, 9 November @ 15:30 vs. Japan
Monday, 10 November @ 15:30 vs. Kazakhstan