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Denmark created the greatest upset in World Championship history on 22 May last year when they toppled giants Canada 2-1 to reach the semi-finals for the very first time.
It marked just the second time Denmark had ever beaten Canada in an official match, the first being a victory during a preliminary round in 2023.
Inside the Jyske Bank Boxen in Herning, the host nation overturned a late deficit with two goals in the final three minutes to stun hockey fans all around the world and to send Danish fans into wild celebrations in disbelief over the incredible result.
The experienced Danish captain, Jesper Jensen Aabo, made his World Cup debut in 2011, and in his time, he has achieved everything from 14th place to last year's fourth place. For him, the final round in 2025 marked a milestone in the history of the Danish national team hockey.
"The experience is still right under the skin, and when we see videos and hear something about it, it still gives us goosebumps. So, of course, that is the feeling we want to chase again", he says to dr.dk
"It has given us great courage to dare to dream of these great results. These are some of the experiences we want to chase again, and that you will remember forever. However, we must also approach this with great respect and humility. Because that is what has brought us these results", says Jesper Jensen Aabo.
However, Denmark goes into the championships severely handicapped as Oliver Lauridsen, Matias Lassen, Nicholas B. Jensen, and Nicklas Jensen are sidelined with injuries while goalkeeper Frederik Andersen and Nikolaj Ehlers are currently in action for Carolina Hurricanes in the NHL Playoffs.
Denmark gets its World Championship campaign underway in Switzerland when they face the Czech Republic in the first game of the tournament on Friday night at 20.00 CET