Frölunda player Lucas Raymond made a big success in the Swedish U18 national team that won the World Cup gold last spring, among other things he stood for three goals in the final against Russia.

Now the 17-year-old is also in the big junior national team, two years early.

- It is difficult to compare, but the players are older here which means they are stronger and faster. It's fun hockey with speed, Raymond tells SVT Sport.

Holtz hero in the premiere

Against Finland in the premiere, he got the chance in powerplay together with U18 gold mate Alexander Holtz, among others. The latter decided the premiere against Finland - but for Raymond it was time for the second group match against Switzerland before the point began to roll in. There was a goal and an assist in that match.

- It feels awfully fun and nice that we could win. We were a bit hesitant in the first game, although we may have played better there than against Switzerland. But it is wonderful that we got off to a good start and he continues to build on it, says Raymond.

"The playoffs that apply"

Now Sweden is the only unbeaten team in the tournament and storms against a group victory, with Kazakhstan and Slovakia still to face. But that's not what counts, according to Raymond - the focus seems to be already ahead of the Swedish JVM squad.

- Of course it is fun to be unbeaten, but it is the playoffs that apply and that we win the last match. That we peak there, that is our goal.

And that you get better and better?

- Hopefully (laughter) ...