Simon Holmstrom Records Two Assists for Sweden in WJC Opener

Simon Holmstrom got off to a good start in his first appearance at the IIHF World Junior Championships.

The Islanders prospect and Bridgeport Sound Tigers forward had a pair of assists in Sweden’s 7-1 tournament-opening win over the Czech Republic. Holmstrom’s first assist of the game came on Sweden’s second goal of the game.

Albin Sundsvik (@AnaheimDucks) is there on the doorstep to give Sweden a 2-1 lead over the Czechs.

Primary assist to Simon Holmström (@NYIslanders)

Secondary helper to Philip Broberg (@EdmontonOilers) pic.twitter.com/DIus6AdKIp

— J.D. Burke (@JDylanBurke) December 26, 2020

Simon Holmstrom’s shot from the faceoff circle went wide of the net and then bounced right to Albin Sundsvik for the goal. He finished off the two-point afternoon with an assist on Sweden’s final goal of the game with 2:23 left in the third period and Sweden on the power play.

“For (Holmstrom) he knows the small rink may be better than most of our guys,” Sweden’s head coach Joel Ronnmark said. “He has been playing over here in North America, so he has a lot of experience he can share with the group. I think he’s a skilled player. Fun for that unit to have a goal on the power play as well and for him I as well I think it’s a good start.”

Noel Gunler (@Canes) goes bar down, and the extra point is good for Sweden.

Assists to Victor Söderström (@ArizonaCoyotes) and Simon Hölmstrom (@NYIslanders). pic.twitter.com/8hREuX6dQz

— J.D. Burke (@JDylanBurke) December 26, 2020

Holmstrom’s familiarity with the smaller rink comes from his time with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers last season.

The win helped Sweden extend their unbeaten streak in the World Juniors preliminary round to 53 games. It is a particularly impressive feat considering Sweden has had to deal with a rash of COVID-19 related issues, which included not being able to play any pre-tournament games.

Sweden spent a mere 32 seconds trailing the Czech Republic all game.

“At the beginning (of the game) perhaps some parts a bit rusty,” Ronnmark said. “The longer the game went I liked the way we started to play. … Good start and we’ll go from there.”

Fellow Islanders prospect Matias Rajaniemi appeared in Finland’s first game on Christmas day. Rajaniemi appeared in 3:51 of Finland’s 5-3 win over Germany.