Melker Thelin makes Tre Kronor debut alongside Jonathan Pudas
Skellefteå defenseman Jonathan Pudas is set for a comeback to the Swedish national team, Tre Kronor, alongside debutant goaltender Melker Thelin, Sportbladet reported ahead of the upcoming Karjala Tournament roster reveal.
Thelin and Johansson Earn National Team Debuts
Head coach Rikard Grönborg operates from the United States, leaving player scouting and roster oversight for the Euro Hockey Tour primarily to Tommy Boustedt. On Wednesday, Grönborg and Boustedt will officially announce their selections for the Karjala Tournament. Ahead of that announcement, Sportbladet revealed a trio of SHL standouts selected for the squad, featuring two debutants: Färjestad goaltender Melker Thelin, 21, and Skellefteå defenseman Pontus Johansson.
The 25-year-old Johansson brings only four prior U19 international appearances to his resume, while the 21-year-old Thelin earns his first senior selection after strong autumn campaigns in the Swedish Hockey League. Alongside the newcomers, 33-year-old Skellefteå blue-liner Jonathan Pudas returns to the national setup nearly four years after his last regular appearances.
Boustedt Praises Pudas for His Competitive Drive
Boustedt observed Skellefteå’s 8–1 away victory against Björklöven from the stands, afterwards holding a brief conversation with Pudas. While Boustedt declined to officially confirm the selection before the Wednesday announcement, he praised the defenseman’s competitive drive.
– Jag älskar Pudas sätt att tävla och hans inställning till ishockey, säger Tre Kronors spelaransvarige Tommy Boustedt.
Translation of Boustedt’s remarks provided by the reporting details his evaluation: “I love Pudas’s way of competing and his attitude to ice hockey. He is skilled on the ice, but just that attitude he has, I think, means a lot to Skellefteå. Namely that winning mentality, to always compete and be a little bit angry. That is often the difference between good and less good hockey players.” Boustedt added that he would welcome Pudas on any team associated with Swedish hockey.
Pudas previously participated in Sam Hallam’s opening World Championship tournament in Tampere in 2023, but was omitted for the remainder of Hallam’s tenure as head coach. Addressing his availability in a recent interview with Hockeysverige.se, Pudas noted that he has only declined an invitation once due to illness, maintaining that the answer to a national team call is always affirmative.
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