Former Canadiens Goaltending Prospect Upsets Canada

Frederik Dichow never did end up playing a game for the Montreal Canadiens, but the Danish netminder made his mark on hockey history by playing the starring role in Denmark’s quarterfinals upset over Canada at the World Championship.

The Habs drafted Dichow in the fifth round of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, 138th overall, the same year they also picked Cole Caufield, Jayden Struble, and Rafael Harvey-Pinard. With Cayden Primeau already in the fold, and Jakub Dobes joining the organization the following year, Dobes was lost in the fold. He has since evolved in the SHL, spending time with Rogle, Froluna, and HV71.

And while he’s yet to establish himself as a starting goalie, the 24-year-old enjoyed what will surely be one of the highlights of his career by backstopping Denmark to a shocking 2-1 upset over Canada in the quarter-finals of the 2025 World Championship.

Dichow stopped 39 of the 40 shots sent his way, earning Player of the Game honours in the process.

Team Canada had put together a strong lineup for the World Championship, with legend Sidney Crosby joining fellow Haligonian Nathan MacKinnon, Montreal Canadiens defenceman Mike Matheson, and soon-to-be Hall of Famer Marc-Andre Fleury, among other high-end NHL talent.

Denmark, on the other hand, iced a lineup featuring just one NHL player, Winnipeg Jets forward Nikolaj Ehlers.

Canadian defenceman Travis Sanheim opened the scoring early in the third period, the one and only time Dichow allowed Canada to score. His hard work paid off, as Denmark scored twice in the final three minutes of the game, including Nick Oleson’s game-winner with just 39 seconds left to go.

Not only did Dichow have the game of his life, he also helped Denmark pull off a massive upset, marking just the second time in the history of both countries that the Danes have emerged with a win.

Canadian frustration aside, it’s hard not to cheer for Dichow and the Danes, especially since we know this means a lot for Danish hockey. Hockey is becoming a global game, the healthiest way forward for any sport.