Denmark's Morten Poulsen Aims to Shine at World Championships

Denmark's Morten Poulsen seeks redemption at the World Championships, held on home soil. Left out of the squad in 2018, Poulsen is determined to shine in front of his family and fans as Denmark takes on the USA in the opening match.

Morten Poulsson, a 26-year-old Danish ice hockey veteran, is set to play in the World Championships on home soil and is driven by a desire for revenge. Seven years ago, he was unexpectedly left out of the final squad for the tournament, which also took place in Denmark.

”I still remember the sensation,” Morten says. “I'm from Herning myself, and I can't drive past Boxen and Hotel Scandic without thinking about the time I wasn't on the bus for the first game.”

Morten Poulsen watched the opening game against Germany from the dressing room without sound, unable to bear the atmosphere inside the arena. The pain of being left out of the squad was too much.

“It is undoubtedly the biggest disappointment in my career,” he says. ”There are always small disappointments here and there, and it's hard to lose finals... but the World Championships in 2018 was just something else.”

Morten Poulsen was set for revenge when Denmark hosts the World Championships.

“I was almost 30 at the time, so I was sure that it was my chance to play the World Championships in my city in front of my family and everyone I knew,” he says. On Friday night, he'll get his chance when Denmark faces USA in the opening match.

“It was a big defeat for me back then, but I am also sure that I have benefited greatly from it afterwards.

“Since we were told in 2021 that the World Championships would return to Herning, I have been hungry and motivated to remain at the highest possible level to give myself the chance to get in the Danish squad.

“It is a day I have been looking forward to so much, says Morten Poulsen.”

Denmark faces the USA in the opening match at 20:20 CET at Boxen Arena in Herning.