Skien 2024: Get to Know Sweden

The 2024 World Para Ice Hockey Championships B-Pool will take place from 15-20 April in Skien, Norway. It will be the 10th edition of World Championships B-Pool and first time Norway will play host. Six teams will compete, with the top two finishers advancing to the A-Pool for next season and the bottom finisher being relegated to the C-Pool. 

Follow along as we break down what you need to know about each team. 

Background

Sweden, where the sport of Para ice hockey was founded in the 1960s, will be looking for its first B-Pool tournament victory, having won silver three times at the event previously and bronze twice. Led by a mix of youth and veteran players, Sweden will be a top podium contender with a chance to advance to the A-Pool for the next season as it aims to get back to the Paralympic stage for the first time since 2018.

World Championships History

2023: Bronze (B-Pool)
2021: Bronze (B-Pool)
2019: 7th place (A-Pool)
2017: 6th place (A-Pool)
2015: Silver (B-Pool)
2013: 8th place (A-Pool)
2012: Silver (B-Pool)
2009: Silver (B-Pool)
2004: Bronze (A-Pool)
2000: Bronze (A-Pool)
1996: Gold (A-Pool)

Athlete to Watch

Peter Nilsson was named the Best Defenseman at last year’s World Championships B-Pool with three goals and four assists, leading his team to three victories and a bronze medal. The PyeongChang 2018 Paralympian is now considered a veteran in the sport at age 30.

Matchup to Watch: Sweden vs. Norway on 19 April 

This rivalry dates to the sport’s early days, pitting two of Para ice hockey’s original teams against each other. Both will be fighting to get back to the A-Pool in a game that could make or break their podium chances on the second to last day of competition in Skien.