Anton Frondell and what we learned on Day 7 at the U18 Worlds

Anton Frondell might be the premier member of the 2025 NHL Draft class at the U18 Worlds. 

He’s certainly one of the most seasoned.

And Frondell, no. 7 in FCHockey’s Spring ranking for the 2025 draft, has leaned on his pro experiences and the connections he has made en route to scoring 25 points (11 goals, 14 assists) in 29 games in Sweden’s second division this season.

“I’m playing with a lot of older guys, who’ve had really successful careers… like Marcus Kruger, who played for Chicago and had two Stanley Cups, he’s so good to talk with,” Frondell said. “If I have any questions, in the game, everything around the rink, he knows. He knows how it is to play on the other side, so he’s a really good guy I can talk to. They’re older, they’ve been playing longer than me, they know much more than me about hockey, so trying to learn everything I can from those guys. I ask them so many questions.”

Frondell started this tournament in a very interesting way, joining late after wrapping his season with a championship with Djurgarden.

His plane from Sweden arrived the morning of April 26th, hours before his team’s practice and game against Team USA. 

“That day was really funny,” said Frondell, who has three points (one goal, two assists) in three games despite some jet lag. “I’ve been excited for the U18 Worlds the whole season. I’ve been waiting for it and now I am here. I was ready to play. Knew if my plane landed in time, I would play. I was ready for this, happy to play.”

He’s joining a tight group, too.

Teammates Filip Ekberg and Sascha Boumedienne have talked about how close this group is with one another.

Frondell expanded on that, pointing out just how important that is. 

“If there are any new players that come to the tournament we make sure they are feeling like one of the family as quickly as possible,” he said. “Because if you are going to win tournaments, you need to have a real tight group, like a family. I think we have done a great job over here. Everyone is honest to each other and we trust each other.

“Fun to get here and feel the energy the boys have. Everyone is just such good people.”

Top Performances

It was Ekberg yet again who shined bright in another Sweden win, a 7-2 quarterfinal victory over Finland. Ekberg had one of the goals of the tournament — a brilliant move to deke around Finnish defenders, then finishing off the play with a picture-perfect shot into the roof of the net. He has been a massive difference-maker for the Swedes all tournament long. 

Ivar Stenberg had a strong showing, too. He flashed his strong skating and playmaking ability to the tune of another multi-point performance. It seemed like every time he touched the puck, something was bound to happen. He, too, has been incredible for the Swedish side. 

In Slovakia’s 3-2 win over Germany, it was Luka Radivojevic who had a dominant performance. He controlled the game from start to finish. Every time he stepped on the ice, he commanded play and helped lead his nation to the semifinals. The defenseman, who serves as Slovakia’s captain, finished. with two points (one goal, two assists) and a player of the game nod. 

Overtime heroics were required in Canada’s 3-2 win over Czechia, and Cole Reschny delivered. He showed off his high-end speed throughout the game, but he also displayed a very calculated and precise aspect of his game. He was constantly in the right spots, aiding him in his two-goal effort. 

Quotable

“It was so fun. I think it was the first time. I can see why he’s so highly ranked. He’s so brilliant, so strong and also a good shot.” – Stenberg on what it was like playing alongside Frondell.

Scouting report