photo: © International Ice Hockey Federation / Tim Austen
Denmark lost to Japan in 2021 (on home ice) and in 2024. And not only did they lose both times, but they also didn’t even score a goal.
After the first period, the game in Herning seemed to follow the same script. Japan scored twice in the first period, and the Danes were definitely on the ropes.
Then, a quick goal by Nikita Bergmann — and an intermission pep talk from the coaching staff — brought Denmark back into the game, and when Teresa Christensen tied the game late in the third, the crowd in Herning went wild.
But even though they turned their wildness up a notch after Frederikke Foss scored the game-winner in the shootout, they couldn’t match the team’s celebrations on the bench.
Denmark had beaten Japan for the first time in the IIHF Women’s World Championship.
“I rank this pretty high, right after the Olympics,” said Denmark captain Nicoline Jensen, who played her first Team Denmark games two tiers below the top division in 2009, as a 16-year-old.
“I’m super proud of the team, it’s amazing to see our 17- and 18-year-old players on the big stage. ‘TC’ scored a big goal and was calm, and cool, and the same with Nikita. It’s awesome to see them take the step up and take a big role,” she added.
Also, the more experienced players bring some calm into the room to make the youngsters a little more comfortable.
At least the 17-year-old Christensen didn’t feel as calm and collected as it may have looked.
“I don’t even remember what went through my mind. I saw my shot hit the goalie’s pads and when I looked back, I saw the puck cross the goal line,” she said.
“I can’t even describe the importance of the win, we’re all happy, it was so important,” she added.
With her goal, Foss was the big hero. Another one was standing between the pipes. In her first game in the tournament, against Finland, Emma-Sofie Nordstrom turned away 55 shots.
“Of course it gets a little messy sometimes, but we work as a team and Emma is solid in the net,” Jensen said.
Nordstrom’s workload was a little lighter against Japan, as she was credited with 30 saves.
“It’s unreal, this is a historic moment for us. I’ve never beaten Japan before, and walking away with a win is unbelievable,” she described her feelings afterwards.
“We couldn’t have done this without every single player on the bench, we never stopped believing,” Christensen said.
And then there was the home crowd.
After the game, the Danish players skated around the rink thanking the 1,300 fans who had been cheering them on throughout the game.
“It was amazing to hear the support, I felt chills go through my body. I’m so grateful. It was fantastic to see so many Danish supporters and I want to thank them all from the bottom of my heart, they were like the extra player today,” Jensen said.
After the first period, the game in Herning seemed to follow the same script. Japan scored twice in the first period, and the Danes were definitely on the ropes.
Then, a quick goal by Nikita Bergmann — and an intermission pep talk from the coaching staff — brought Denmark back into the game, and when Teresa Christensen tied the game late in the third, the crowd in Herning went wild.
But even though they turned their wildness up a notch after Frederikke Foss scored the game-winner in the shootout, they couldn’t match the team’s celebrations on the bench.
Denmark had beaten Japan for the first time in the IIHF Women’s World Championship.
“I rank this pretty high, right after the Olympics,” said Denmark captain Nicoline Jensen, who played her first Team Denmark games two tiers below the top division in 2009, as a 16-year-old.
“I’m super proud of the team, it’s amazing to see our 17- and 18-year-old players on the big stage. ‘TC’ scored a big goal and was calm, and cool, and the same with Nikita. It’s awesome to see them take the step up and take a big role,” she added.
Also, the more experienced players bring some calm into the room to make the youngsters a little more comfortable.
At least the 17-year-old Christensen didn’t feel as calm and collected as it may have looked.
“I don’t even remember what went through my mind. I saw my shot hit the goalie’s pads and when I looked back, I saw the puck cross the goal line,” she said.
“I can’t even describe the importance of the win, we’re all happy, it was so important,” she added.
With her goal, Foss was the big hero. Another one was standing between the pipes. In her first game in the tournament, against Finland, Emma-Sofie Nordstrom turned away 55 shots.
“Of course it gets a little messy sometimes, but we work as a team and Emma is solid in the net,” Jensen said.
Nordstrom’s workload was a little lighter against Japan, as she was credited with 30 saves.
“It’s unreal, this is a historic moment for us. I’ve never beaten Japan before, and walking away with a win is unbelievable,” she described her feelings afterwards.
“We couldn’t have done this without every single player on the bench, we never stopped believing,” Christensen said.
And then there was the home crowd.
After the game, the Danish players skated around the rink thanking the 1,300 fans who had been cheering them on throughout the game.
“It was amazing to hear the support, I felt chills go through my body. I’m so grateful. It was fantastic to see so many Danish supporters and I want to thank them all from the bottom of my heart, they were like the extra player today,” Jensen said.