'A memory of a lifetime' Ivar Stenberg reflects on winning World Juniors gold
Ivar Stenberg has been named the latest Elite Prospects Verified Player of the Month!
The 18-year old is coming off a gold medal performance at the World Juniors, where he was one of the tournament's standout players. Currently skating for Frölunda HC in the SHL, Stenberg is widely regarded as one of the top prospects for the 2026 NHL Draft. After collecting 10 points in seven games on hockey’s biggest junior stage, the winger was recently ranked at No. 1 overall on the latest Elite Prospects 2026 NHL Draft ranking.
In this Q&A, Stenberg reflects on his recent success, his NHL draft aspirations, and what lies ahead the rest of the way this season.
Elite Prospects: Ivar, can you share how your journey in hockey began? What drew you to the sport?
Ivar Stenberg: I would say my older brother, Otto (St. Louis Blues), being at the rink at an early age pushed me toward hockey. With him and my father bringing us to the rink all the time, I started liking it early on.
EP: How would you describe your playing style? What aspects of your game do you consider your biggest strengths, and which areas are you focusing on to improve?
IS: Hockey IQ is what comes to mind. I see the ice very well and find space to create offence for myself and my teammates. I need to get better at using my shot more to further improve my game.
EP: You’ve just captured a gold medal at the World Juniors in Minnesota. How would you describe the experience, and what does winning gold with this particular group of teammates mean to you personally?
IS: It was an awesome experience and means a lot to me. It was my first time capturing a gold medal in general. We are a very close group of guys who have played quite a lot with and against each other, so that made it even more special. A memory of a lifetime.
EP: Now that you’re back with Frölunda HC in the SHL, what are your personal and team goals for the rest of the season?
IS: I want to continue to help my team in any way possible, and by doing that we are a good enough team at all positions to battle for gold in the SHL as well, which would be a dream come true to do so in Gothenburg.
EP: You’re eligible for this year’s NHL Draft. How does the possibility of being selected motivate you, and what steps are you taking to prepare for the next stage in your career?
IS: It’s been a dream of mine, like most young players, from when you start to understand what the NHL Draft is. Seeing my brother in Nashville with my family also motivated me to push extra hard toward being drafted. I have a good team around me in Frölunda that pushes me every day to get better and prepare for the next chapter.
EP: Having seen your older brother Otto go through the draft three years ago, how valuable has his experience been for you so far, and where has his advice helped you most?
IS: Otto’s journey has always been a part of mine and Knut’s (younger brother) lives, and we’ve seen both the successes and the times that have been frustrating. He’s always had a very strong drive to get better, and I think seeing all of that and what it takes, has helped me a lot.
EP: Growing up, did you use Elite Prospects? If so, how did you use the site?
IS: I’ve always checked out Elite Prospects and everything that comes with it. From trades and statistics to looking up some of the names you hear on an everyday basis.
EP: Your Elite Prospects page is verified, what features or tools on EP do you find most valuable as a verified player?
IS: It’s nice to be able to read about other players and see some extra information on a broader level!
EP: Why should other players choose to verify their player page on Elite Prospects?
IS: If you’re a hockey nerd, it’s a great feature to get more out of any player, team, or coach you’re interested in!
Make this season count and stand out to coaches, scouts, and teams with a Verified profile on Elite Prospects! For more information on EP Verified, click here.
