Thrilling Encounter at the 2026 NHL Draft Prospects Match
A thrilling encounter took place on Tuesday night as two of the top prospects for the upcoming 2026 NHL Draft clashed on the ice. Ivar Stenberg, a promising forward, faced off against Viggo Björck, noted for breaking the all-time scoring record in Sweden’s junior league last season. The game attracted considerable attention, particularly because both Djurgården and Frölunda ice hockey teams featured talented players, including 2025 third overall draft pick Anton Frondell and former first-round selection Victor Eklund in the Djurgården lineup.
Pre-Game Insights
Before the highly anticipated match, Stenberg shared his aspirations and the challenges he faced.
“It’s necessary to build on last year’s playoffs, focusing on the positives, even if it’s a tough task,”
he explained during a pre-game interview with TV4. When asked about areas for improvement, he emphasized the importance of refining his puck handling and decision-making skills.
“I aim to be stronger with the puck and enhance my overall maturity as a player. The coach encourages me to embrace my style of play and showcase what makes me unique,”
Stenberg noted.
Record-Breaking Crowd and Game Highlights
This particular matchup between Frölunda and Djurgården drew a record-breaking crowd, with 13,950 fans filling Avicii Arena in Stockholm, the largest number ever for an indoor hockey event in Sweden. The game started with Victor Eklund crafting an opportunity for Djurgården, but Frölunda’s goalkeeper Lars Johansson was quick to deny a potential goal from Eklund through a low shot, aided by Frondell’s presence for the follow-up.
The game’s scoring came alive late in the first period, with Filip Cederqvist, a 2019 fifth-round pick by the Buffalo Sabres, netting the first goal on a rebound after a chaotic sequence in front of the Djurgården net. Cederqvist’s strike was soon complemented by another from Max Friberg, leaving Frölunda leading 2–0 at the first intermission.
Second Period Developments
During the break, the mood in the Djurgården locker room was one of concern, with Eklund admitting that his team needed to enhance their efforts.
“We’re cutting corners. We need to commit fully rather than taking the easy route across the ice. It’s crucial that we adjust our play in the second period,”
he stated. In contrast, Cederqvist was optimistic, appreciating the response of his team against Djurgården’s initial pressure.
Djurgården managed to get back into the game early in the second period, as Anton Frondell made a fantastic play to assist Albin Grewe, who then scored to reduce the deficit. However, Frölunda quickly regained their two-goal advantage thanks to a strike from Filip Hasa, followed by another goal shortly thereafter, pushing their lead to 4–1.
Despite a glimmer of hope from August Berg’s goal for Djurgården, Frölunda’s offense was relentless, ending the second period with a solid lead. The drama intensified when Frölunda struck again early in the third period, and with consistent offensive pressure, they secured a commanding 11–2 victory over Djurgården. Stenberg had a notable performance, contributing two assists, including one on Frölunda’s final goal during a power play.
Conclusion: Future NHL Stars
As the game concluded, the performances of Stenberg and Frondell stood out among the younger talent. Frondell showcased his playmaking abilities, while Stenberg continually threatened with skilled puck control throughout the match, underscoring their potential as future NHL stars in the making.
