For many Canadians, the IIHF World Junior Championship is a Christmastime tradition. Cheering on Team Canada on Boxing Day has become an even bigger deal than heading to the local mall for blowout sales. This year, please forgive fans of the Surrey Eagles if they are slightly torn when the Canadians play Denmark.
Their very own Ludvig Adamsen will be taking part in the tournament for the first time as a member of the Danish squad. The 19-year-old has been a force on defence for the Eagles all season long, and is understandably excited to showcase his abilities on the world stage.
“I’m pretty pumped,” Adamsen said in an interview before heading to Finland for pre-tournament action. “It’s always an honour to represent your country. It’s a big opportunity for me to see where my skill level is.”
Although this will be his first experience at the under-20 championships, Adamsen hopes to bring an older, veteran presence to the team. Because he participated in exhibition matches this past summer in Finland he felt good about his chances to make the team, but it was still exciting to officially see his name listed on the roster.
“I saw my name on it and I was so happy, so proud of myself.”
Denmark is positioned in Group A alongside Canada, United States, Sweden, and Switzerland. A tough group, Adamsen knows, but they are prepared to put in the work that is required to get results.
“Our goal and expectation is to stay in group A and get as many wins as we can,” Adamsen proclaimed. “We know it will be a big challenge, but we’re not going to back off. We will fight. We’ll do whatever it takes.”
With recent NHLers like Lars Eller, Nikolaj Ehlers, Jannik Hansen, and Frederik Andersen, Danish hockey has come a long way in the last decade. This year’s under-20 team will look to continue that trend.
For Adamsen, he’s especially anxious to play against Canada – which has become his second home.
“Of course I’m looking forward to playing Canada. The country has been a big part of my life for the last few years,” Adamsen said with a wry smile. “It will be fun.”
British Columbia is a long way from home, so he’s looking forward to catching up with his family members that will be making the trip to Finland to watch him play. Despite the distance from home, the BCHL has proven to be a great launching pad for his career.
“I feel like the Surrey Eagles have prepared me the best that they could. It’s been a challenge physically and mentally, which is fantastic. I feel so confident heading into the World Juniors because of them.”
The tournament officially kicks off for team Canada on December 26th at 10 AM PST against the United States. Denmark plays in their first game a day later against Switzerland. The awaited Denmark vs Canada game will take place on Monday, December 28th – also at 10 AM PST.
The Eagles hope that Adamsen can return to Surrey with some valuable experience gained, and hopefully a medal as well!
