IIHF Team Sweden vs. Team USA: Ollas-Mattsson Subtle Defender

Team Sweden took on Team USA early this morning. The Swedes seem to be getting better and better every year during his tournament and they're turning into quite an international force.

Even though the first period was scoreless, both teams fought for their position on ice. The second period was when the only magic happened as Alex Nylander notched the only goal of the game to put Team Sweden up by one. A crease violation led to a called-off goal by Team USA in the third which could have tied the game. With a final too-many-men infraction and another penalty called on the USA in the last minute, forcing a 5 on 3 for Sweden, the Americans fell to Team Sweden 1-0.

With one shot on net, no goals, and no assists, Adam Ollas-Mattsson defended his goalie, Soderstorm, in less subtle ways. Ollas-Mattsson took an early third period penalty for interference, which wasn't much of interference, in my opinion, but the rules in the World Junior tournament are a lot less about referee discretion and more about making every possible call.

Regardless, Flames prospect Ollas-Mattsson proved that he’s willing to push the boundaries set by the tournament to defend Sweden’s zone.

by Traci Kay