The Final Playoff Fields Form After Intense Regional Qualifiers
The 2026 TV-pucken playoff bracket is officially set after a grueling weekend of regional qualifying matches across Sweden, according to results released by Svenska Ishockeyförbundet. Eight girls’ teams and eight boys’ teams secured their advancement to the tournament finals, which run from October 29 through November 1 in Örnsköldsvik. While several powerhouse districts coasted through their groups, others faced dramatic, down-to-the-wire battles that weren’t decided until Monday’s final fixtures.
How Göteborg and Skåne Settled the Southern Boys’ Group
In the boys’ Group A, Göteborg and Skåne punched their tickets to Örnsköldsvik following a high-stakes showdown in the concluding round. Göteborg edged Skåne 2–1 to claim the group crown, leaving Skåne in second place. The tight battle squeezed out Småland—the force that captured the boys’ TV-pucken titles over the previous two years. With qualification secured, Göteborg now prepares to face Ångermanland in the quarterfinals, while Skåne draws Västerbotten.
Värmland Outlasts Gästrikland in Group B’s Tightest Race
Group B on the boys’ side delivered a nervous finish as Västmanland captured the top spot with a strong qualifying run. Behind them, Värmland and Gästrikland finished level on ten points apiece. Gästrikland gave their qualification hopes a late boost by defeating Örebro län 5–4 in overtime, but Värmland ultimately secured the vital second-place finish on tiebreakers. Västmanland moves on to play Uppland in the quarterfinals, and Värmland draws a matchup against Stockholm.
Stockholm and Västerbotten Dominate Their Qualification Groups
Stockholm put on an offensive clinic in boys’ Group C, sweeping all four of its matches and crushing Gotland 12–1 in the finale to finish ahead of runner-up Uppland. In the northern division, Västerbotten matched that perfection with four straight wins to take first place ahead of Medelpad. While Medelpad missed out on the final eight, host district Ångermanland automatically qualified by virtue of staging the tournament, keeping them alive for the Örnsköldsvik rounds.
Dalarna Edges Past Örebro Län in Monday’s Girls’ Group B Thriller
The girls’ tournament featured its own share of drama, particularly in Group B, where Värmland took first place but left the remaining spot contested until the final whistle. Dalarna dropped a close 1–2 decision in overtime to Värmland on Monday, opening the door for Örebro län. However, Örebro län stumbled in its final outing against Gästrikland, falling 0–1 and handing the second-place qualification spot to Dalarna.
Family Legacies Highlight Rosters Across Sweden
Beyond the standings, this year’s tournament rosters feature a notable collection of hockey lineage across the participating districts, as Hockeysverige reported. Dalarna’s squad features Albin Abris Ek, carrying on a famous local surname as the grandson of Christer Abris. Stockholm’s backend includes Loui Oldéen, son of TV4 SHL commentator and broadcaster Björn Oldéen. Meanwhile, Västerbotten features Theodor Hermansson—son of Daniel Hermansson—and Norrbotten showcases forward Mario Lavander, son of former Elitserien veteran Mats Lavander.
Väsby Stars Help Power Stockholm and Uppland Lineups
Local club development continues to shape the regional teams, with Väsby IK HK supplying major talent to the Stockholm and Uppland squads, according to Mitt i. Stockholm shifted to a unified single-team format for the girls’ division this season, selecting five Väsby players: defenders Tilda Östman and Tyra Hasselrot alongside forwards Angelica Kemlin, Stella Eriksson, and Thilda Glendor. On the boys’ side, Väsby youth products Edwin Göransson and Hugo Kramberg Hjertonsson also earned selection, while Uppland’s roster welcomed six players with direct Väsby club ties.
Quarterfinal Schedule and Upcoming Matches in Örnsköldsvik
The tournament moves to Örnsköldsvik for the knockout stages. The girls’ quarterfinals open play on Thursday, October 29, featuring Värmland against Södermanland at 10:25, Norrbotten facing Småland at 12:10, Stockholm meeting Dalarna at 14:15, and Göteborg taking on Ångermanland at 16:00. The boys’ quarterfinals follow on Friday, October 30, starting with Västmanland versus Uppland at 10:25, Västerbotten against Skåne at 12:10, Stockholm meeting Värmland at 14:15, and Göteborg squaring off with Ångermanland at 16:00. Semifinals and placement matches take place on Saturday before the medal games close out the tournament on Sunday, November 1.
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