<p><em>This story&nbsp;<a href="https://hockeysverige.se/intervju/samuel-ersson-lider-med-jacob-markstrom-valdigt-synd/">originally appeared on hockeysverige.se&nbsp;</a>and has been translated from Swedish to English.</em></p>



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<p>One man’s misfortune… well, you know how the saying goes.</p>



<p>When Jacob Markström had to back out due to injury, Tre Kronor found themselves searching for a replacement for the 4 Nations Face-Off.</p>



<p>In the end, they turned to Philadelphia Flyers’ netminder, Sam Ersson.</p>



<p>“I spoke with (Swedish GM) Josef Boumedienne. We know each other from my time in Brynäs and the relegation rounds. He reached out and gave me a little heads-up. ‘We’ll see what happens, but you’re in consideration,'” Ersson said. “When it became clear that ‘Marky’ wouldn’t be available… First and foremost, I feel really bad for Jacob. He’s had an incredible season. At the same time, I’m excited to get this opportunity. It’s a huge honor to be part of a tournament where the best players in the world are competing.”</p><div class="injected-ad injected-video" data-nn-ad-tech-injection-count="0" data-nn-ad-tech-max-gap="130" data-nn-ad-tech-current-gap="147"></div>



<p>After initially not being named to the team, Ersson was happy to get the call. The other two Swedish goaltenders in the 4 Nations Face-Off are Linus Ullmark and Filip Gustavsson, so it’s unlikely Ersson will get the call. But with NHLers headed to the 2026 Winter Olympics, being included still means a lot for the young Swede.</p>



<p>“You never really know what will happen. I knew I was somewhat in the mix, but it wasn’t something I put too much energy into. Of course, it’s always a goal to be part of national team tournaments. It’s a bit of a motivation, hoping to get the call. But in the end, the focus has to be on your team, performing well there first, and then seeing what happens.”</p>



<p>The 25-year-old has played 31 games for the Flyers this season, establishing himself as the team’s No. 1 goalie.<br><br>“This season has been a bit up and down. I’ve dealt with some injuries, so it’s been a bit inconsistent,” Ersson said. “Overall, though, I’m happy with how I’ve played. There was a rough stretch before Christmas after coming back from a longer injury absence, but beyond that, I think things have gone well.”</p><div class="injected-ad" data-nn-ad-tech-injection-count="1" data-nn-ad-tech-max-gap="130" data-nn-ad-tech-current-gap="200"></div>



<p>If Ersson doesn’t play, he’ll be out of game action for about two weeks. That can be both a positive and a negative. But being part of a team full of NHL stars in Montreal and Boston is something Ersson is looking forward to.</p>



<p>“It’s a huge challenge for everyone,” Ersson said with a laugh. “The caliber of players in this tournament is incredibly high. I don’t have many expectations; I’m just going in with an open mind. Mostly, I’m just really looking forward to experiencing a tournament like this.”</p>



<p>Ersson won’t be the only Flyer in the tournament. Travis Sanheim and Travis Konecny will play for Canada, while John Tortorella will be one of USA’s coaches.</p>



<p>“I think we all recognize what a great honor it is to be part of this,” Ersson said. “This is a tournament that has been talked about in the hockey world for a long time. Players and fans alike have been eager to see international competition at this level again. To get the chance to be part of it is something special.”</p><div class="injected-ad" data-nn-ad-tech-injection-count="2" data-nn-ad-tech-max-gap="130" data-nn-ad-tech-current-gap="179"></div>
