Men’s 2026 Final Olympic Qualification, Group F
Six players from Denmark suited up in the NHL last season. All of them will be representing their nation with a place at the next Winter Olympics at stake.
Despite competing in the top-tier world championships since 2003, Denmark has only once qualified for the Olympic games.
That occasion was the most recent in 2022.
Denmark qualified by defeating Slovenia, South Korea and hosts Norway. Their near rivals will be looking for revenge this time around
In Beijing, Denmark acquitted themselves with distinction.
Victories against the Czech Republic and Switzerland were sandwiched by a 2-0 loss to Russia. Denmark beat Latvia in the playoff round before suffering a 3-1 reverse to eventual silver medallists Russia at the quarter-final stage.
Although Great Britain has gone toe-to-toe with Denmark at recent World Championships (3-4, 2-3 OTL), the quality of the hosts roster for this tournament is far greater.
It’s a sizeable task for Great Britain to face the hosts on game day one.
It’s not only the NHL talent on Denmark’s roster but several other players who ply their trade in Europe’s top leagues.
If the hosts bring their A-game, it’ll be a mountain for GB to climb in the opening game. However, if that’s not the case then there is always a chance.
You only have to take Great Britain’s recent tournament success for evidence.
Great Britain will have to produce the performance of a lifetime to take anything from this game, starting between the pipes.
It’s not clear who Head Coach Pete Russell will favour in the net but whether it’s Ben Bowns or Jackson Whistle, they will need to stand on their head.
Nobody will be more motivated than Liam Kirk to make an Olympic Games.
As Great Britain’s standout player and generational talent, he has to produce one of his best performances to generate offence. To take anything from this game, GB likely needs to score at least three goals and Kirk will have to be the leading light in that quest.
Cade Neilson was quiet at the last World Championships as opposed to the year before and could surprise with his mercurial talent. Still young and relatively inexperienced, Neilson on a going day would certainly supplement Kirk with his scoring knack.
I would be surprised if Brett Perlini was not a little frustrated at scoring just twice at the last World Championships. He could easily have ended with five or six and could easily make his contribution felt by rediscovering his golden touch.
Searching to replicate their form at the World Champs are Evan Mosey, Nathanael Halbert and Ben O’Connor. All three were excellent, especially Mosey who played like a man ten years his junior with some inspired performances.
There are a few keys to Great Britain being competitive, beginning with how quickly they can get up to game speed given a lack of competitive action and short pre-season.
Mistakes on breakouts have to be kept at a minimum otherwise tiredness will quickly set in if Denmark can hold the zone and wear down the underdogs.
In international tournaments, staying disciplined and strong special teams are key components. Great Britain has greatly improved on the power play and penalty kill but cannot afford to give Denmark too many opportunities to utilize their high-end offensive skill and talent.
GB has managed to dissect Denmark’s defence in the last two meetings and is one area of the host’s roster without NHL assistance. Creating high-danger scoring chances is one thing but beating an NHL goaltender is another. Having scored against the USA and Canada in recent tournaments, GB should not fear whoever is between the pipes for the top-seeded nation.
Denmark Roster
Goaltenders
Frederik Andersen, Carolina Hurricanes
Frederik Dichow, HV71
Mads Søgaard, Ottawa Senators
Defencemen
Jesper Jensen Aabo, Klagenfurt
Kasper Larsen, Brynäs IF
Anders Koch, Kiekko-Espoo
Markus Lauridsen, Frankfurt
Matias Lassen, Malmö Redhawks
Nicholas B. Jensen, Bremerhaven
Oliver Larsen, KalPa
Oliver Lauridsen, TPS Turku
Phillip Bruggisser, Bremerhaven
Forwards
Alexander True, Modo
Christian Wejse, Bremerhaven
Frederik Storm, Kölner Haie
Joachim Blichfeld, Växjö Lakers
Jonas Røndbjerg, Vegas Golden Knights
Lars Eller, Pittsburgh Penguins
Mathias From, Klagenfurt
Mikkel Aagaard, Modo
Morten Poulsen, Herning Blue Fox
Nicklas Jensen, SC Rapperswil
Nikolaj Ehlers, Winnipeg Jets
Oliver Bjorkstrand, Seattle kraken
Oliver Kjær, SaiPa
Oscar Fisker Mølgaard, HV71
Patrick Russell, Linköping HC
Phillip Schultz, Esbjerg Energy
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