Since NHL players started participating in the Winter Olympics in 1998, we've seen three different gold medalists in four tournaments. Canada has won twice, while the Czechs and the Swedes have each boasted one victory.
Team Sweden is looking to become the second repeat champion at the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi, Russia. Ranked No. 1 in the world by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) after their win at the 2013 World Championship, the Swedes are icing an Olympic roster that's strong at all positions.
A talented group of forwards will be backed up by a dynamic defense corps, then anchored by solid goaltending led by 2006 gold medalist Henrik Lundqvist.
The Swedes have one other Olympic gold to their credit: from 1994 in Lillehammer, Norway, when Peter Forsberg beat Canada's Corey Hirsch in a dramatic shootout. Sweden won silver in 1928 and 1964 and picked up bronze in 1952, then in three straight Games: 1980, 1984 and 1988.
Teams like USA, Russia and Canada have received more attention going into the tournament, but Sweden is a true contender that shouldn't be taken lightly.
Here's a chance to catch up on everyt ...
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Article written by Carol Schram
Everything You Need to Know About the 2014 Sweden Olympic Hockey Team
February 5th, 2014 by Carol Schram Leave a reply »
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