The 2024 IIHF World Championship is set to take place in Prague and Ostrava, Czechia from May 10-26. Swedish ice hockey defensemen Erik Karlsson and Marcus Pettersson have been selected to represent their home country in the tournament, as announced by the Swedish Ice Hockey Association.
Karlsson, a 33-year-old veteran of the league, has had an impressive career with 817 points (189G-628A) in 1002 career NHL games. He joined the Penguins this season after being traded from the San Jose Sharks in August 2023 and has been leading all Penguins defensemen in goals, assists, and points so far this year.
Pettersson, a younger player at just 27 years old, has set career highs in various offensive categories this season, playing in all 82 games and recording four goals, 26 assists, and 30 points. He also achieved his first career game-winning goal against Montreal on January 27 and led Pittsburgh with a plus-28 rating, finishing eighth among all NHL defensemen.
Both Karlsson and Pettersson are eager to make significant contributions to their home country’s team during the competition. Team Sweden’s Preliminary Round Schedule for the World Championship has been announced, but broadcast information will be provided at a later date.