Canada opened the 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship with a thrilling 5-3 victory over Sweden in Fribourg on Friday, showcasing the depth and resilience that makes them perennial contenders on the global stage.

In a high-energy Group B preliminary round matchup, the Canadians built an early lead and then held off a determined Swedish comeback attempt. The offensive charge was led by a balanced attack, with John Tavares, Ryan O'Reilly, Dylan Holloway, Connor Brown, and Dylan Cozens each finding the back of the net. Tavares set the tone early, while Cozens provided a crucial insurance goal that electrified the BCF Arena crowd.

Between the pipes, goaltender Jet Greaves was a steadying presence, turning aside 22 shots to preserve the win. His performance was especially vital during a late Swedish push, as Canada's defense tightened up to secure the opening-night victory.

The win sets a positive tone for Canada as they navigate a tough preliminary round, with veteran stars like Sidney Crosby and emerging talents like Macklin Celebrini contributing to the team's balanced attack. For fans following the tournament, this game was a reminder of Canada's championship pedigree—and a preview of the exciting hockey ahead in Switzerland.