Everything you need to know about Ivar Stenberg

Ivar Stenberg is one of the most talked-about young talents in the hockey world. He is widely expected to be selected within the top three picks of the 2026 NHL Draft. Born in 2007 in Stenungsund, Stenberg has already made a significant impact on Swedish hockey. So, who is he really? Below is everything you need to know about Ivar Stenberg.

Ivar Stenberg: Early Life

Ivar Stenberg was born on September 30, 2007, in Stenungsund to David and Cecilia Stenberg. His father, David, is a former hockey player who competed in the lower Swedish divisions. Stenberg also has an older brother, Otto, born in 2005, and a younger brother, Knut, born in 2009. From an early age, Stenberg demonstrated exceptional interest in the sport. He began playing for the local club, the Stenungsund Stingers, when he was just four years old. Furthermore, he eventually established himself as a skilled winger with strong play-driving ability.

Ivar Stenberg: Youth Career

Throughout his youth career, Stenberg frequently played above his age group—often alongside his older brother Otto. Together, they competed in and won the annual tournament GP-Pucken four years in a row, an impressive feat considering it is one of Sweden’s largest competitions for players aged nine to twelve.
As he continued to progress, Stenberg appeared in the U16 tournament TV-pucken at only 13 years old, registering one assist in five games. The following season, in 2021–2022, he joined the club Frolunda HC. During his first year with the team, he collected 32 points—11 goals and 21 assists—in just 21 games.
The 2023–2024 season marked another major step forward. Stenberg recorded 5 goals and 27 assists in 18 regional-series games for Frolunda. Additionally, he dominated in the national series with 18 goals and 12 assists in only 13 games.
During the 2024–2025 campaign, he made his senior debut with Frolunda in the SHL. On October 12, 2024, at just 17 years old, he played his first top-tier match, eventually finishing the season with one goal and two assists across 25 games.

International career

On the international stage, Stenberg has already emerged as a key contributor for Team Sweden. He represented Sweden in 2023 at the World U-17 Hockey Challenge, scoring seven goals and three assists in seven games as Sweden secured a bronze medal.
Later, in the 2026 World Junior Championships, Stenberg led Sweden in scoring with four goals and six assists in seven games. Impressively, he notched one goal and two assists in the gold-medal matchup, helping Sweden win its first U20 world title since 2012.

Ivar Stenberg: NHL Career

Many analysts and scouts project Ivar Stenberg as a top-three pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, possibly even a number one pick alongside Gavin McKenna. His skill and hockey IQ has impressed and drawn attention from several NHL franchises.

Personal Life

Ivar Stenberg lives with his parents and his siblings. His older brother Otto was drafted 25th overall by the St. Louis Blues in 2023. Stenbergs younger brother Knut also plays for Frolunda HC.