Norway made history at the 2026 IIHF World Championship by claiming its first ever medal at the event.
“We had a good preparation,” said forward Tinus Luc Koblar, a Toronto Maple Leafs prospect who plays in the Swedish Hockey League. “Our group got tight and we built a lot of chemistry together. Everyone bought in on their jobs. I think everyone did the things that we needed to do to be able to beat the best teams.”
Norway reached the podium by beating Canada in overtime of the bronze-medal game. Noah Steen scored the goal that set off crazy celebrations for the underdogs in Zurich.
“It was an unreal feeling,” said Koblar, who was Toronto’s top pick (second round, 64th overall) in the 2025 draft. “Before the tournament, I don’t think anyone was thinking about being able to beat Canada and taking that [bronze medal] home. I was really glad and the whole team was really glad. It was an unreal feeling for both our team and the whole country.”
Koblar is a big reason why Norway broke through. The 18-year-old led the team in scoring with nine points, including six goals. The bronze medal win capped a first professional season for Koblar, who produced 14 points in 47 games with Leksands IF. He will make the move to Rogle BK for next season.
During a conversation with TSN, Koblar reflected on his growth this year and shared what it was like to face idol Sidney Crosby at the World Championship. The following is an edited transcript of the interview.
TSN: What was the reaction in Norway to the medal?
Koblar: It was big. We got a private jet home. One of the millionaires in Norway (Petter A. Stordalen) fixed that for us. The reaction was really, really good and I think it opened up people’s eyes so that’s a positive thing for Norway’s ice hockey going into the future.
TSN: Why do you think you had so much success at the World Championship?
Koblar: I wanted to prove how good I am and I wanted to show people that I’m a good player at the international level. I knew that we’re going to meet NHL players and players who are amazing like Crosby, the best player in our generation, so I wanted to just take my chance and prove myself to the world and to the people.
TSN: How satisfied are you?
Koblar: I’m really happy with what I did during the tournament. And, of course, it’s always good to be able to score points and be able to help the team win games. It was a fun tournament for me.
TSN: What was it like to play Crosby?
Koblar: An amazing experience to be able to play against him because I’ve grown up watching him play and he’s been an idol for me. I think everyone was really amazed by being able to play against him. But I think, as well, no one was afraid. That was also a reason for our success, we weren’t afraid of the opposing team. We knew that they maybe have more skilled guys, but we play as a team and we win as a team.
TSN: Who is the toughest player to go up against?
Koblar: I would say maybe Macklin Celebrini. He was really good. He plays a 200-foot game. He plays the full 60 minutes. He competes hard. And even though he played an incredible season in the NHL this year, he still tried to do his best during the World Championship.
TSN: Did you have a favourite moment other than winning the medal?
Koblar: I will just remember the whole tournament. It’s my first time winning a medal and it’s my first time being able to win something that big. So it was really fun and I think I will just take the whole experience of being able to play my first World Championship with me.
TSN: What does it do for your confidence?
Koblar: I know that I can compete with the best, so I think it gives me a boost to my confidence.
TSN: In that bronze medal game against Canada, you blew a lead late in the third period. What was the feeling?
Koblar: We got a little bit panicked towards the end there when we lost our 2-0 lead again. But I think everyone just started over. Everyone just talked and said to each other that we need to start over and we need to play overtime here. The first team that scores is going to win the game and that needs to be us. We just refreshed our mind and just went into overtime with a new mindset and a new start to the game.
TSN: Where do you keep the bronze medal? Do you have a special place for it?
Koblar: No, not really. I just keep it in my closet for a moment and we’ll see what I do during the future.
TSN: What was your favourite message that you got afterwards? I’m sure your phone was blowing up.
Koblar: I don’t really know. I got a lot of messages, so it kind of got too much. I just answered all of them with almost the same answer.
TSN: How much do you feel like you grew this season from start to finish?
Koblar: I developed my game a lot looking back to the start of the season. My game got a little bit more professional because I played in the SHL. You need to take responsibility for the puck and do everything a bit more faster, and a bit more better. So I grew a lot during this season. I think it was positive for my mindset and how I look at myself and look at my future career.
TSN: What’s the feedback you’ve received from the Maple Leafs?
Koblar: I haven’t really received any feedback from them yet. I know my agent talks to them. I know they were happy and they liked how I did in the World Championship. So that’s the only thing I know.
TSN: What are you going to focus on this summer?
Koblar: I’ll try to develop even more, build some more strength and get a little bit faster. So that’s my main focus. I’ll do all my training, get myself a little bit better and stuff like that.
TSN: How close do you feel like you are to the NHL and being ready for that step?
Koblar: I don’t know. I don’t know. Of course, the NHL is a big jump. I know that it’s a tough league to play in, but we’ll see. Hopefully I’ll get there as soon as possible.
