With a roster of veterans and recently returned NHL talent, Denmark prepares for its most important World Championship yet.

Denmark has come a long way in fifteen years. Their surprising performance in 2003 was the start of a run in the top pool that's been impressive, to say the least.

Along the way, Denmark has shown the hockey world that they can compete against
the hockey elite and along the way developed players who have found success the
NHL. Now as the host of the

tournament, Denmark is presented with an opportunity to play in front of their fans.

Goal

Denmark's fortunes rest with Frederik Andersen. Andersen has been an exceptional NHL goaltender for the Anaheim Ducks and now with the Toronto Maple
Leafs. A workhorse, Andersen played in 66

regular season games each of the last two seasons for Toronto and helped lead them into the playoffs both campaigns. With Toronto eliminated from the playoffs, Andersen was available. As for

everyone on this team, Andersen was pleased to accept the opportunity in representing his country on home ice. Herning is Andersen's hometown giving him
extra motivation for participating.

Sebastian Dahm has played an important role on previous Danish world championship squads and will be ready to do so again. Dahm was a member of Iserlohn in the DEL where he played in 35 games.

Simon Nielsen, brother of Frans, and George Sorensen have served as third goaltenders for several years now.

Defence

Denmark's defence has been together for many years now and that continuity should help. Big Oliver Lauridsen will help clear out the front of the net so his goaltenders can see shots. Lauridsen saw

some time with the Philadelphia Flyers in 2011/12 and again in 2014/15 but since leaving the NHL has found a place in Finland playing for Jokerit. Philip Larsen had a strong season with Salavat

Yulayev Ufa in the KHL. He scored 11 goals and 38 points- both personal bests as a pro. Larsen will be among Denmark's top defenceman logging time at even strength and on special teams. Daniel

Nielsen, Jesper Jensen Aabo, and Stefan Lassen have been national team mainstays for many years now and their combined experience in this tournament counts for much. Kristensen scored seven goals

this season for KooKoo in Finland.

Forwards

There is also good experience among the forwards on the roster. The absence of Morten Green leaves a huge void in the line-up. Green retired from the national
team after the 2017 World

Championship. Not only was he Denmark's captain, but its heart and soul. Denmark will get scoring and leadership from Frans Nielsen. Nielsen is one of Denmark's most talented players and was among

the first to make an impression and earn a place in the NHL. After spending ten
years with the New York Islanders, Nielsen signed with the Detroit Red Wings two seasons ago. Even at 34, Nielsen is

a difference maker. Mathias Bau Hansen was impressive in his initial season in North America with the Hershey Bears. Julian Jakobsen enjoyed his finest pro season. Jakobsen scored 12 goals and 39

assists in leading Aalborg to its first Danish title in 37 years. Another returnee is Nicklas Jensen, who led Denmark in scoring at the 2016 World Championship with five goals and seven points.

After being unable to crack the New York Rangers lineup, Jensen left for Finland where he has found a place with Jokerit Helsinki in the KHL. Patrick Russell completed his second season with the

Bakersfield Condors and continues to improve. His more North American style of play in crashing the net will be important. Morten Madsen, Morton Poulsen and Jesper Jensen are all experienced

national team forwards providing offensive depth. Add in Nichlas Hardt who has scored some big goals over the years. The line-up also features Peter Regin, Nicolai Meyer, Mads Christensen and

Patrick Bjorkstrand.

Coaching

Since being appointed head coach in 2013, Janne Karlsson's squads have finished
anywhere from 12th to 14th place at the World Championship. At the 2016 tournament, he led the team to an 8th place

finish, tying its best-ever showing in the top pool. Karlsson has coached both in the Swedish league and internationally prior to leading Denmark. He was an assistant coach for Sweden at the 2006

Winter Olympics. In 2009/10 he won the Swedish league, leading HV71 to the title in his first season behind the bench.

Projected results

Playing at home should give Denmark a big boost. Having said that, they still sit in a tough group that could make it difficult to advance into the final eight. Denmark will be competing against

Germany for one of those spots in the quarter-finals. Denmark can really help themselves with a win in the opener in the neighbouring clash against the Olympic silver medallists.

JOHN SANFUL

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