Sweden’s quest for gold came to a crashing halt in the semifinals of the IIHF World Championship on Saturday, falling 6–2 to a red-hot United States team.
Sam Ersson, the lone Philadelphia Flyers player left in the tournament, didn’t start the game but was called in to relieve starter Jacob Markström after Sweden fell behind.
Though the loss ends Sweden’s run in disappointing fashion, Ersson’s individual performance throughout the tournament was a bright spot. The 25-year-old goaltender showed poise, composure, and a bounce-back mentality—qualities that had come under scrutiny during a challenging 2024–25 Flyers season in which he dealt with injuries and less-than-ideal individual stats.
In this tournament, Ersson reminded everyone why the Flyers believe in him. His calm presence in the crease and ability to make timely saves helped Sweden reach the final four, and he consistently gave his team a chance to win in earlier matchups.
For fans quick to catastrophize his NHL struggles, Ersson’s strong showing on the international stage was a needed reminder: this is still a young goalie finding his footing in the world’s toughest league. And performances like this one suggest he’s headed in the right direction.
While Sweden will now have to regroup and aim for bronze, Ersson leaves the tournament with his confidence rebuilt and his potential reaffirmed—a silver lining for both his national team and the Flyers heading into next season.
