Canada falls to Sweden as 2026 World Juniors preparations continue

Photo credit: Adam Zawacki

Canada suffered a 4-2 loss to Sweden Saturday night in London, ON,. in their second pre-tournament game ahead of the 2026 World Juniors.

The Kelowna Rockets’ Tij Iginla (UTA) and Seattle Thunderbirds’ Braeden Cootes (VAN) had goals while former Brampton Steelheads goaltender Jack Ivankovic (NSH) made 12 saves.

“You want to win every game but this is what pre-tournament is for,” said ex-Brampton Steelheads captain Porter Martone (PHI). “Get those things out the way, kind of learn with everyone, gain chemistry. I really liked our game a lot.”

Canada took a 2-1 lead into the third but a trio of third period goals sunk the 20-time gold medallists.

“We started a little slow and then came on in the second and got some good looks and should have scored more goals,” head coach Dale Hunter said.

Braeden Cootes converts down low!

The @SeattleTbirds captain connects with fellow @TheWHL'er Harrison Brunicke (@blazerhockey) to give 🇨🇦 a 2-1 lead over 🇸🇪! #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/6EhCqUtcda

— Canadian Hockey League (@CHLHockey) December 21, 2025

Tonight’s contest also saw former Saginaw Spirit star Michael Misa return to action. The second overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft by San Jose, Misa hadn’t played in a game since Dec. 6 when he suited up in the AHL for the San Jose Barracuda.

The 18-year-old was immediately put onto Canada’s top line where he played alongside Martone and former Medicine Hat Tiger Gavin McKenna (2026).

“Second period on, we were phenomenal,” Martone said of his line. “I think we had a lot of chances, we read off each other really good. The puck just didn’t go in the net but that’s going to come.”

Canada had beaten Sweden 2-1 Wednesday night in Kitchener, ON., behind a pair of goals from the Soo Greyhounds’ Brady Martin (NSH). They will face Denmark on Dec. 23 in their final pre-tournament game in Mankato, MN.

“It’s a learning lesson for us tonight but I think we’re going to learn from it and be ready to go next game,” Martone said.

Canada opens its 2026 World Juniors Boxing Day against Czechia and will also face Latvia, Denmark and Finland in the round-robin. The final is set for Jan. 5 at Grand Casino Resort in St. Paul, MN.