Canada and Sweden lineups for today's game at the World Junior Summer Showcase. Michael Misa, Braeden Cootes, Henry Mews and Harrison Brunicke are out. Misa and Cootes are just banged up, and Brunicke is sick
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World Junior Summer Showcase: Canucks’ Wilson Björck scores first goal to lead Sweden to dominant victory over Canada
Photo credit: X via @CCHockeyNews
The World Junior Summer Showcase continued on Thursday, featuring an anticipated matchup here at CanucksArmy between Team Canada and Team Sweden — two rosters that each featured a Vancouver Canucks prospect.
Unfortunately, Canadian forward Braeden Cootes did not dress for the game. While no official update was provided, NHL.com Managing Editor Adam Kimelman suggested that both Cootes and top 2025 prospect Michael Misa are currently “banged up.”
Kimelman later reported that Cootes’ injury was “light” and that he should be a game-time decision for Canada’s final game on Saturday.
Canada coach Dale Hunter described injuries to Michael Misa, Henry Mews and Braeden Cootes as "light stuff, not heavy stuff." He said there's a chance one of them, along with defenseman Harrison Brunicke (illness), could play tomorrow vs. the U.S. Will be a game-time decision.
That left all eyes on Wilson Björck, who continued to ride a strong tournament for Sweden. Playing on the wing again, he suited up for his fifth straight game and took top-line duties alongside his younger brother Viggo and projected 2026 top-5 pick Ivar Stenberg.
The Swedes came out flying and delivered their most dominant performance of the tournament, defeating Canada 8–4 to remain undefeated at 4–0. They will close out the event on Saturday against Team Finland at 11:0am PT.
Björck was once again productive, notching a goal and an assist to bring his total to six points in five games. That leaves him tied for the tournament lead, while his five assists are the most among all skaters.
The Canucks prospect earned his first goal of the event in the third period. Driving behind the net, he sent a cross-crease pass that deflected off a Canadian defender’s skate and snuck through the goaltender’s pads.
Through five games, Björck has been one of the premier players of the tournament and has made a strong pitch to earn a spot at the upcoming World Junior Championships. The chemistry that he displays with his younger brother, both internationally and during league play, adds an intriguing element heading into the 2026 NHL Entry Draft.
As for Canada, they will look to bounce back on Saturday when they wrap up their tournament against the United States at 2:30 p.m. PT.
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