10 Reasons to Watch the World Cup of Hockey

GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN – SEPTEMBER 10: Players of Team Sweden enters the ice during the Pre World Cup of Hockey match between Sweden and Finland at Scandinavium on September 10, 2016 in Gothenburg, Sweden. (Photo by Nils Petter Nilsson/Ombrello/World Cup of Hockey via Getty Images)

10. The Strong Swedes

Team Sweden boasts Patric Hornqvist and Carl Hagelin of the Pittsburgh Penguins, and the twin Sedin brothers Daniel and Henrik who both play for the Vancouver Canucks, and Anton Stralman from the Tampa Bay Lightning. Not to mention Lundqvist guarding the net. Needless to say, the team is stacked and will be very fun to watch. Plus, after losing to Canada in the 2014 Olympics Gold Medal game, Sweden, like the United States also has a score to settle. They won’t play Canada, USA, or the rest of Team Europe until round two, but they look to be tested against North America and Russia.

In their first round of preliminary games, Sweden beat Finland, first in overtime and then handily, in a 6-3 second game.  There’s rivalry and history between those two teams as well with Finland growing as a hockey power over the years although never to the extent of Sweden. With fewer European teams in the World Cup, look for these two teams to battle it out with Sweden aiming to retain their dominance.

Next: Top 10 Stories from the 2016 U.S. Open

The World Cup of Hockey begins on September 17th with games airing on ESPN in the United States. Check local listings for exact times and channels.