The 2026 IIHF World Championships in Switzerland promise to be a thrilling spectacle, with a star-studded lineup of players, including five current and former Rochester Americans, aiming for gold. Among them, Devin Cooley and Will Borgen, both former Amerks, are set to lead the United States to its second straight gold medal. But what makes this tournament particularly fascinating is the diverse range of talent on display, from the experienced Swedes to the promising Slovakian debutant, Maxim Štrbák. In my opinion, this tournament is not just about winning gold; it's about the journey, the stories, and the unexpected twists that make international hockey so captivating. Let's dive into the details and explore the key players, their backgrounds, and the broader implications of their participation in this prestigious event.
The United States: A Nation on a Roll
The United States enters the tournament with a golden opportunity to repeat as world champions. After winning gold in 2025, the Americans are looking to make history by becoming the first nation to win both Olympic and World Championship gold in the same year since Finland in 2022. This is no small feat, considering the Americans have medaled just five times since 2013 and six times in total over the last 30 years at the annual event. What makes this particularly fascinating is the fresh energy brought by former Buffalo Sabres head coach Don Granato, who leads the team with a renewed vigor. The Americans' recent success, including their first-place finish at the Winter Olympic Games in Milan, where they upset the favored Canadians, sets the stage for a potential golden run.
Devin Cooley, one of three goaltenders named to Team USA's roster, is a familiar face to the Rochester Americans fans. After a stellar 2023-24 season with the Amerks, where he boasted a 6-6-2 record with a 3.77 goals-against average and a .891 save percentage, Cooley has gone on to appear in 37 career NHL games, including 31 this past season for Calgary. His presence in the net provides a sense of stability and experience, crucial for the team's success. Will Borgen, another former Amerk, is a defenseman with a strong international pedigree. Having previously represented the United States at the 2016 IIHF World Junior Championships and the 2018 Winter Olympics, Borgen brings a wealth of experience and a strong defensive presence to the team.
Sweden: A Nation of Champions
Sweden, the 2017 and 2018 World Champions, is looking to reach the medal round for the third straight year. With a total of nine medals over the last 17 years, including three gold medals over a six-year span, the Swedes are no strangers to success. Joining them in their quest for gold are forward Rasmus Asplund and defenseman Erik Brannström, both of whom are no strangers to the international stage. Asplund, who scored a team-high six goals in eight games at the 2022 World Championship, returns to the national team for the first time since then. Brannström, a four-time medal winner in international competition, makes his national team debut with Sweden, bringing a fresh energy and a strong defensive presence.
Asplund, who was a teammate of Borgen's in Rochester, brings a wealth of experience and a scoring touch to the team. Originally a second-round selection (33rd overall) by the Sabres in 2016, Asplund has skated in 189 NHL games with Buffalo, Nashville, and Florida, recording 49 points on 18 goals and 31 assists. Brannström, meanwhile, had a brief but productive stint with the Amerks, notching seven points, including five goals, in 13 games. His immediate impact upon arrival in Rochester, coupled with his international success, makes him a key player for the Swedes.
Slovakia: A Promise Fulfilled
Maxim Štrbák, a 20-year-old defenseman set to make his senior international debut, is a late-season addition to the Amerks. After agreeing to terms on a three-year, entry-level deal with the Sabres on April 1, Štrbák finished the remainder of the season on an amateur tryout with Rochester, where he notched one assist in two games. A second-round selection (45th overall) in the 2023 NHL Draft, Štrbák played 102 games in three seasons at Michigan State, guiding the Spartans to three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances and three Big Ten Championships. His collegiate career was marked by a plus-33 rating and 46 points, making him a promising young talent.
Štrbák's international debut with Slovakia is a significant moment, given his previous representation of the nation at four IIHF World Junior Championships and the 2023 Men's U18 World Championships. His performance at these events, including a share of an IIHF record and 16 points in 19 games, has set the stage for his senior debut. The Slovaks, who have medaled four times at the annual tournament since 2000, with their only gold coming back in 2002, are looking to build on their recent success, having claimed bronze at the 2022 Winter Olympic Games in Beijing.
The Broader Implications
The 2026 IIHF World Championships in Switzerland is more than just a hockey tournament; it's a stage for nations to showcase their talent, build on their success, and make new beginnings. The Americans' quest for a second straight gold medal is a testament to the power of consistency and the impact of experienced leadership. Sweden's continued dominance is a reminder of the nation's commitment to excellence and the importance of nurturing young talent. Slovakia's debut with Štrbák is a promise fulfilled, a story of a young player making his mark on the international stage.
In my opinion, this tournament is not just about winning gold; it's about the journey, the stories, and the unexpected twists that make international hockey so captivating. The diverse range of talent on display, from the seasoned veterans to the promising newcomers, sets the stage for a thrilling and memorable event. As the tournament unfolds, we can expect to see new stars emerge, old rivalries reignited, and the spirit of competition at its finest. The 2026 IIHF World Championships in Switzerland promise to be a spectacle that will resonate long after the final whistle blows.
