Denmark has qualified for the quarter-finals of the Ice Hockey World Championships for the first time in nine years, securing their spot after a dramatic penalty shootout victory against Germany. The team’s captain, Jesper Jensen Aabo, expressed his excitement and relief at finally advancing from the group stage, describing it as a dream come true.

The decisive game against Germany saw Nikolaj Ehlers score Denmark’s only goal in regulation time, shortly after arriving from Canada. Aabo praised Ehlers’ commitment and impact on the team, highlighting his skill and the respect he commands from opponents.

Denmark’s previous near miss came at the 2018 World Championship on home soil, where they collected the same number of points but failed to advance. Aabo emphasized the significance of achieving this milestone in front of a home crowd.

Looking ahead, Denmark will face Canada in the quarter-finals. Aabo acknowledged the challenge but expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to compete against top-tier players. He also stated the victory against Germany was the team’s best performance in the tournament, boosting their confidence.