Lisa Johansson, a seasoned veteran of the Swedish women’s national ice hockey team (Damkronorna), at 32 years old, stands as the eldest player in the squad gearing up for the crucial Olympic qualifiers in Gävle, Sweden. The tournament, running from Thursday to Sunday, carries immense weight as Sweden aims to extend its unbroken streak of Olympic appearances, dating back to women’s ice hockey’s debut at the 1998 Nagano Games. For Johansson, the pressure of the qualifiers is palpable but manageable. She emphasizes her personal ability to compartmentalize external pressures, focusing instead on controllable factors. While admitting that pressure affects individuals differently, she underscores the importance of open communication within the team, ensuring a supportive environment for players grappling with the high stakes.
The road to Milan 2026 is not without its challenges. This marks only the second time Sweden has had to compete in Olympic qualifiers, the first being for the 2022 Beijing Games. Having successfully navigated those qualifiers with a flawless record, Johansson and her teammates are confident in their ability to repeat the feat. This current qualifying tournament pits Sweden against Norway, the Netherlands, and Denmark. The games, hosted in Gävle, are expected to draw record crowds, adding another layer of excitement and anticipation to the already charged atmosphere. Johansson, a two-time Olympian, having participated in both the 2018 Pyeongchang and 2022 Beijing Games, eagerly anticipates the challenge and hopes to celebrate three victories by Sunday.
Johansson’s hockey journey has been a testament to her dedication and passion for the sport. Her career began in 2007-08 with Växjö in Riksserien, the then highest league in Sweden. A move to Leksand followed before she found a home in AIK, a club she represented for twelve seasons. AIK became more than just a team; it was family. The bonds forged during her time there remain strong, with former teammates now counted among her closest friends. Despite her deep attachment to AIK, the club’s financial struggles and declining performance led her to a difficult decision. The opportunity to play professionally for the reigning champions, Luleå, in the 2022-23 season, proved too compelling to resist. This move allowed her to focus solely on hockey, optimizing her training and performance.
Despite the benefits of playing for Luleå, the allure of Stockholm remained strong, drawing her back to the capital city the following year. Although AIK had been relegated, Johansson’s passion for the game remained undimmed. She joined SDE, continuing her career in a city she calls home. Johansson’s sustained commitment to the sport sets her apart. While the landscape of women’s hockey is gradually evolving, providing more opportunities for players to extend their careers, it is still unusual for players to continue beyond 30. Johansson, however, remains driven by her love for the game. Despite the physical demands and accumulated wear and tear, she retains a childlike enthusiasm, cherishing every moment on the ice.
The qualifying tournament carries significant implications for the participating teams. Ten teams will ultimately compete at the Milan Olympics. Italy, as the host nation, has already secured its place. They are joined by the top five ranked teams: Canada, the USA, Finland, Czechia, and Switzerland. While the sixth-ranked spot is technically also a direct qualifier, it remains vacant pending a decision regarding Russia’s participation in the Games. The three group winners from the qualifiers will automatically advance to the Olympics. Should Russia remain excluded, the final Olympic berth will be awarded to the best second-placed team from the three qualifying groups.
The three qualifying tournaments are taking place simultaneously in different corners of the globe. Aside from Sweden’s group in Gävle, other qualifiers are being held in Tomakomai, Japan, featuring Japan, China, France, and Poland, and in Bremerhaven, Germany, where Germany, Hungary, Austria, and Slovakia are vying for a spot in Milan. The outcome of these qualifiers will determine the final composition of the Olympic field, shaping the narratives and dreams of athletes aiming to compete on the world’s biggest stage. For Lisa Johansson and Damkronorna, the path to Milan runs through Gävle, where they aim to secure their Olympic dream and continue their proud tradition of representing Sweden at the highest level of women’s ice hockey.
