– Since I needed to be off from school, I have been given some tasks to do, but there are no problems. It’s good in a way to have something other than hockey to think about, says 16-year-old Hilda Svensson, who is in her first year of high school.
Now, the talented forward also has a bit of luck when it comes to school work. As it is the Easter break during part of the time she is in Canada, she does not miss much teaching.
– One of my goals has been to play in the Women’s Crowns, and to be in the WC, so of course it felt very special when I was told that I was in the squad, says Hilda Svensson.
– For it to happen right now was not part of my plan, she continues with a laugh.
Photo: Mathilda Ahlberg/Bildbyrån
When Sweden surprised and took a silver in the junior WC, which was decided in Östersund in January, Hilda Svensson showed that Swedish hockey’s future is bright.
The teenager’s creativity, coolness, flair for scoring and her playmaking skills stand out.
Just a few weeks after JVM, she made her debut in the Women’s Crowns in connection with a national team tournament in Germany, and already in her first match she scored a goal. There were another number of goals before the tournament was over, and above all a strong performance in terms of play.
What was the biggest difference about playing in the Women’s Crowns compared to the junior national team?
– The players you met were bigger, and it was noticeable that they were a little more seasoned in their way of playing. They didn’t waste the puck, but had a thought with most things, says Hilda Svensson, who this season was a regular in HV71’s SDHL team.
– But I felt that I got into it quite quickly, and I think that I benefited a lot from playing senior hockey normally.
Photo: Mathilda Ahlberg/Bildbyrån
In the Swedish The WC squadwho traveled to Canada at the beginning of last week, Hilda Svensson is joined by two players from the silver team in the Junior World Cup, 17-year-old defender Mira Jungåker and 16-year-old forward Ebba Hedqvist.
– It’s obviously fun – and a sense of security. We know each other well.
What do you think you teenagers can mainly contribute with?
– I think we will play with a lot of energy to show that we deserve our place, and hopefully we dare to take it, says Hilda Svensson.
– It will certainly be a little nervous, but I think that is only good. Then you know it’s something important.
On Maundy Thursday, the puck is dropped in the Women’s Crowns World Cup premiere against Germany in Brampton, Canada.
Before that, Sweden meets Switzerland on the night of Monday, Swedish time, in a training match.
Before the WC premiere, the 24-player squad will be reduced to 23 players.
