Sweden wins at hockey worlds
Updated: 05/04/08 6:46 AM
Patric Hornqvist scored twice and Sweden fended off Belarus, 6-5, in an opening preliminary round game of the world championships Saturday in Quebec City.
Rickard Wallin deflected Nils Ekman’s shot at 10:32 of the third period for the winner. Defenseman Magnus Johansson and forwards Nicklas Backstrom and Robert Nilsson, all in the NHL this past season, also had a goal apiece.
Switzerland defeated France, 4-1, in the other game played in Group A.
In the Group C openers in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Finland defeated Germany, 5-1, and Slovakia defeated Norway by the same score.
The Americans will return to action tonight against Slovenia, while defending-champion Canada faces Latvia.
