Axel Sandin Pellikka made headlines at the IIHF World Junior Championship, showcasing his talent with a stunning hat trick and one assist during Sweden's opening game against Slovakia on December 26, 2024. Quickly establishing himself as both the captain of the team and one of the tournament's key players, Sandin Pellikka's performance is promising as Sweden aims for another gold medal.
Having been chosen 17th overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, Sandin Pellikka has already faced significant challenges this season, including dealing with a coaching change at his club, Skelleftea. The dismissal of Skelleftea's coach, Robert Ohlsson, during his time at the junior tournament added layers of complexity to his season. “When I came back, it became a bit of a different everyday life, but I haven’t thought about it too much,” Sandin Pellikka told Swedish outlet Expressen.
At just 19 years old, Sandin Pellikka is not only contributing on the scoreboard but also developing his skills as he leads his team on the ice. “I’ve got a few points and that's what's mainly visible,” he reflected on his performance. He also emphasized the maturity gained through experience, noting, “You become a bit more mature the more you play, quite simply.”
His competitive spirit is undeniable. Swedish assistant coach Nicklas Grossman highlights this by saying, “He is a fierce guy, who loves to compete and hates to lose. That alone gets you very far.” Sandin Pellikka's personal drive is palpable, yet it is his commitment to growth and teamwork as captain of Sweden's squad where he shines. “(It’s) mainly because I’ve been there before,” he said about his leadership role. “I try to be myself. I can’t be someone else just because I become captain. I want to lead by example and pull the group together.”
Last year’s tournament was emotionally taxing for Sandin Pellikka. After Sweden lost the gold-medal game to the USA, he was frustrated enough to punch the dressing room wall and broke his finger. “It was hard,” he admitted reflecting on the event. “But I’ve learned to channel those emotions back onto the ice.” This year, he is determined to turn any past disappointments around and focus on winning gold with the team.
Currently leading all defensemen in scoring for Sweden, Sandin Pellikka has emphatically made his mark, and his season back home is also noteworthy. Already with eight goals for Skelleftea, he might set new SHL marks for scoring by a teenage defenseman. “It’s clear it’s cool being talked about like this, but I’m not thinking about anything else but just playing hockey,” he stated, defining his mindset without losing focus on the larger objective.
His contributions on the ice are reflected not only through points but also through the energy he brings to the team. Should he be selected again as the top defenseman at this year's tourney, he will join the ranks of the legendary Viacheslav Fetisov, who earned the accolade twice with the Red Wings. “It is clear one would like to receive such a prize, but I am not there to chase personal achievements. I’m there to win gold with the team,” he said, demonstrating his commitment to team success above all.
With everything lined up for Sandin Pellikka, his performance is not just pivotal for Sweden but also for the Detroit Red Wings, who are keeping a close eye on their prospects. A strong showing at this championship could see him drawing nearer to the team’s roster, where his competitive edge and scoring ability could flourish at the NHL level.
His challenge at the World Juniors contributes to developing the qualities needed at higher levels, where the stakes are immense and the triumphs can resonate through careers. The hopes are high, and as the tournament progresses, all eyes will remain fixed on Axel Sandin Pellikka, eager to see if he can lead his team to precious victory once more.