Erik Karlsson and Rickard Rakell have shared their thoughts after Team Sweden’s elimination from the 2026 Winter Olympics men’s hockey tournament. Sweden lost a close quarterfinal game to the United States, falling 2-1 in overtime.
“It was good. I mean, obviously not the result that we wanted, and very devastated in that aspect,” Karlsson said. “But overall, it’s something that we’ll cherish for a long time, and we had a blast.”
Karlsson played in his second Olympic Games, recording four assists and averaging more than 21 minutes per game over five contests. Rakell made his Olympic debut at age 32.
“It’s really cool,” Rakell said on becoming an Olympian. “It’s a dream come true for me to have the chance to do that. I think over time, I will be more proud of it.
“Every chance that you get to put on your country’s jersey, it’s a huge honor. At the end of the day, right now, it just stings a little bit.“
Both players noted there was limited free time outside hockey due to a busy schedule but appreciated moments spent with family who traveled to Italy for support.
“Whenever our schedule allowed us to, I tried to go see them, walk around with them, and go to dinner,” Rakell said. “There was not a lot of time because it was a tight schedule, but I think everybody really enjoyed it and had a great time.”
Staying in the Olympic Village gave Karlsson and Rakell opportunities to meet athletes from other sports such as speed skating and figure skating.
Karlsson previously represented Sweden when NHL players last participated in 2014. He described each Olympics as unique depending on location but always meaningful.
“It’s just a different atmosphere and experience in general, you know? It’s very, very rare that you get the opportunity to be a part of that,” Karlsson said. “Even when you’re there, there’s not much to complain about, and you just kind of go with the flow, and everybody is happy.”
Rakell added: “The city was full of different countries, different jerseys, and all sorts of things. Overall, it was just a really cool experience.”
Sweden advanced out of group play by winning two out of three preliminary games before defeating Latvia—whose roster included Penguins teammate Arturs Silovs—in qualification round action. The team then faced the United States in the quarterfinals where Quinn Hughes scored an overtime goal for Team USA.
“Obviously, in a short tournament like that, you got to get together as a group fast and make things work both individually and as a team,” Karlsson said. “Obviously we didn’t really reach the potential that we had and the inspiration that we came in with. That’s unfortunate. Unfortunately that’s sometimes the way that it is—and not everybody can win.”
Despite disappointment with results on ice for Sweden this year at these Winter Games hosted in Italy—the experience itself left lasting memories for both players.
“I’ll be forever thankful for it,” Rakell said. “You don’t know how many chances you get to do it so just try to soak it all in—I think over time I’ll be able look back at this as one my best experiences.”
Both also spoke about enjoying camaraderie among Swedish teammates they grew up playing alongside on national teams; Karlsson roomed with Victor Hedman while Rakell stayed with Hampus Lindholm—his former Anaheim Ducks teammate.
“I think just being around the whole aspect of the Olympics is pretty big deal,” Karlsson said.“A lot close friends on team from Sweden representing your country—it’s just different experience from what we’re used regular basis here—it’s definitely something always remember.”
Karlsson plays for Pittsburgh Penguins—a franchise recognized for its Hall-of-Fame players including executives who contributed significantly according to their official website. The Penguins are owned by Fenway Sports Group which oversees business operations (source). The organization has been consistently competitive through playoff appearances while building strong community ties within Pittsburgh’s sports culture (source).
The Penguins host home games at PPG Paints Arena located downtown (source), further strengthening their role within local tradition.
