February break as an opportunity for the ‘Next Generation’

An average age of 22,5 years, with 13 players born after the turn of the millennium. At the upcoming Four Nations Tournament in Oslo, live on Krone TV, Head Coach Roger Bader is giving a young team the opportunity to stake their claim for the World Championship preparations, which begin in April, as well as the World Championship itself. Gregor Biber, who was selected by Utah in last summer’s NHL Draft and is currently making his mark at Swedish talent factory Rögle, is also part of the squad.

06 February 20252 min read

“The World Championship is definitely a goal. Especially this year in Stockholm. That would be really cool,” reveals the 18-year-old defenceman, outlining one of his objectives. At Rögle, he has excellent conditions for his development and is also in contact with Utah every week: “My life has changed a lot. Training and school are well organised. I have lots of games and life is very pleasant here. We discuss the latest games with Utah every week, and we also go through video every two weeks.”

Since last summer’s draft, the ultimate goal of the NHL has also moved closer. “I have always had the same goal, it just becomes more realistic over time,” says Biber, for whom the national team also means a reunion with his sister Anna, who serves as team manager for the men’s team.

The defenceman sees the tournament in Oslo as an opportunity for the young players: “We can prove ourselves and show what we can do.” They are aiming for a win against France in the opener, live on Friday at 15:00 on Krone TV, and again on Saturday: “We are focusing above all on our own game. France are a good nation, but if we stick to our system, we are an uncomfortable team for any opponent to face.”

This is precisely the Bader style of hockey that the Head Coach has drilled into his players over the past few days: “The players have worked superbly. They give it their all in every training session and are making progress every day. We certainly have the youngest team in the tournament, and I am curious to see what this team is capable of.”

The rink in Oslo is NHL-sized. From Roger Bader’s perspective, this could even suit his team: “We want to play boldly and courageously, focusing above all on our system. Then we will see what comes of it in the end.”

Three players – Benedikt Oschgan, Atte Tolvanen and Luca Erne – will make their national team debuts over the next two days. They are joined by another eleven players with 14 or fewer international caps. “We have a team with many challengers who want to make their case for a World Championship appearance,” said the Head Coach, who is himself eagerly anticipating the performance of this next generation.

Current record against France: 68 games, 35 wins, 10 draws, 23 defeats