Flyers' Sam Ersson Named To Team Sweden For World Championship

When Sam Ersson sat down for his end-of-season media availability in April, he smirked when asked if he would be joining Team Sweden for the 2025 IIHF World Championship.

"Maybe," he said with a knowing smile—one that suggested the decision had already been made.

Now it's official: Ersson will represent Sweden on the international stage this month, joining a growing list of Flyers heading to Sweden for the tournament.

For Ersson, this is both a reward and an opportunity. The 25-year-old netminder just wrapped up his first full season as the Flyers' undisputed starter—a campaign filled with ups and downs, but ultimately one that solidified his status as the team's No. 1 goalie (should they continue on the starter/backup route instead of switching to a tandem system).

Though he battled a recurring injury that sidelined him at key points in the year, Ersson also showed stretches of impressive play, particularly around the holiday break and again towards the end of the Flyers' season. His selection to Sweden's roster underscores the respect he's earned both domestically and abroad.

"Obviously, that's the dream," Ersson said of playing for Sweden on a major international stage. "But at the same time, it's not something I'm going to go and focus on. I know it's all depending on how I play and perform here with the Flyers."

That mindset—steady, team-first, and quietly ambitious—has become Ersson's hallmark. With each passing month of the 2024-25 season, he gained confidence in his game and composure in the crease. Now, he'll have the chance to test that against international competition, many of whom he may see again in 2026, when Olympic rosters come into focus.

Ersson previously suited up for Sweden during the 4-Nations Face-Off tournament in February, a proving ground for players looking to earn spots on Worlds and Olympic teams. His inclusion there hinted at Sweden's long-term interest, and now with a full spring tournament ahead, he'll get valuable reps against some of the world's best while continuing to build relationships with his Sweden teammates and coaching staff.

Ersson won't be the only Flyer competing overseas. Forwards Travis Konecny and Tyson Foerster, along with defenseman Travis Sanheim, have all been named to Team Canada's roster, giving the Flyers a notable presence at Worlds.

For Ersson, it's another step forward. In a year where he shouldered much of the goaltending load in Philadelphia, handled adversity with maturity, and showed clear signs of growth, a strong performance at Worlds could further elevate his standing both within the Flyers organization and on the global stage.

More importantly, it's another chance to keep learning, keep competing, and keep building toward the kind of goaltender he, the Flyers, and Sweden believe he can be.