A bright future ahead for Danish Hockey

Denmark’s results at the World Championships show promise for the future

Sweden’s victory over Switzerland on Sunday night at the Royal Arena in Copenhagen saw the 2018 IIHF World Championships draw to a close. The tournament, which was held over 16 days in the capital as well as in Herning, has been an undeniable success – both for tourism and Danish ice hockey.

Promising performances
Although the hosts were ousted in the group stages, the Danes can take a lot of pride from their performances. Over the course of their seven group games, Denmark pulled off impressive victories over the likes of Finland and Germany, before going out in heartbreaking fashion, losing 0-1 to Latvia.

An upward trend?
Denmark’s positive results during the tournament are a continuation of the upward trajectory Danish hockey has been going through since joining the top international division in 2003.

In 2007, history was made as Frans Nielsen became the first Danish-born player to play in the NHL. Since then, the number has only grown, with seven players currently playing in the league.

The team at the World Championships featured five of these players including Nielsen. The others were Mikkel Bødker and Jannik Hansen of the San Jose Sharks, Oliver Bjorkstrand of the Columbus Blue Jackets and Frederik Andersen from the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Absent stars shining in America
Two players notably missing from the team that featured in the World Championships were Lars Eller and Nikolaj Ehlers. Both players were still in contention for the Stanley Cup Playoffs with their teams the Washington Capitals and Winnipeg Jets and were thus unable to join Team Denmark.

Currently, only Eller and the Capitals are still in contention, needing just one more win to make the Stanley Cup Finals.

While the addition of both Eller and Ehlers would have undoubtedly bolstered the team’s chances, the Danes proved they could win games without all of their stars.

Future prospects?
Although many fans will be left disappointed that Denmark were unable to advance past the group stages, the future of Danish hockey looks bright. As more and more Danes make it to the NHL, interest in the sport will probably only get stronger.

The enthusiasm with which the Danish crowd cheered on their players, as well as the performances of the team itself, show that progress is certainly being made.

 




  • The international who shaped Copenhagen

    The international who shaped Copenhagen

    Anna Maria Indrio is one of the most important architects in Denmark, having contributed to shaping Copenhagen into what it is today. Among her best-known projects are the extension of SMK and Arken, as well as the Natural History Museum and the Darwin Centre in London. She moved here 60 years ago, when “Copenhagen was gray and dormant. Predictions suggested it would become depopulated. But putting people at the center changed everything,” she said

  • Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Fees were raised to reflect processing costs and curb repeat applications, creating debate over whether the new charges erect barriers to political participation for internationals.

  • Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    According to a report by the Danish Chamber of Commerce, internationals’ contribution is 12% of the country’s GDP. In 2023, it was 322 billion DKK, and in 2008, it was 136 billion DKK. “Internationals make a gigantic difference in our prosperity and welfare,” comments Morten Langager, the Director of Dansk Erhverv.

  • Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    With half of its staff being international, the BioInnovation Institute reflects Denmark’s broader transformation into a global innovation hub. But can the country—and Europe—keep up the pace? “If reforms are made now, we can close the gap in ten years,” explains BII’s CEO

  • Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Two months ago, the Danish PM announced that military equipment should be purchased in a hurry. The first plans for the sea are now ready. Additional plans for warships will follow this summer.

  • International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    Many internationals come to Denmark to work as designers, but the field appears to be one of the hardest to break into. The Copenhagen Post spoke with two internationals struggling to find their way into the industry.

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.