Golden Knights Prospects Make Their Debuts At The World Juniors
All three Vegas Golden Knight World Junior representatives were in action last night, each making their tournament debut.
Trevor Connelly was the first to make his debut, with Team USA taking on Germany. The Americans entered the game as the clear favourite and took care of business. With the Americans up 2-0 early in the second period, Connelly made his mark on the game, banging in his own rebound on a transition opportunity.
The Germans threatened and were able to make it 3-2, but the Americans stayed calm and regained control, going on to win 10-4, with Connelly adding his first assist on the American's ninth goal.
Trevor Connelly picks up his own rebound and buries it to give Team USA a 3-0 lead!#WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/DAmUhB5GVT
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 26, 2024
Mathieu Cataford and Team Canada went up against Finland and Tuomas Uronen in the highly anticipated night game. Canada came out flying pouring in shot after shot but weren't able to beat Finish netminder Petteri Rimpinen until 19:09 had passed in the first period. Gavin McKenna, the expected first overall pick in 2026 was the man who was finally able to get Canada on the board.
Easton Cowan, a Toronto Maple Leafs prospect added another in the second period before goals from Luca Pinelli and Matthew Schaefer sealed the 4-0 win.
Cataford entered the game as Canada's 13th forward and played the least out of any forward, registering just 8:37 of TOI.
TOI spread for Canada in their 4-0 win against Finland
Clearly rolled all 4 lines. Brayden Yager led all forwards in minutes despite being listed as the 4C. Gotta get Gavin McKenna some more opportunity pic.twitter.com/5E6x86viM0— Kyle Cushman (@Kyle_Cush) December 27, 2024
Cataford and Canada will look to improve to 2-0-0-0 against Latvia later today and Finland will attempt to win their first game of the tournament against Germany. Connelly and Team USA return to action on Saturday against Latvia.
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