Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Red Wings Pick Danielson Stars In Canadian Victory

Originally posted on Detroit Hockey Now | By Bob Duff | Last updated 12/26/23

Nate Danielson was turning a lot of heads during an impressive showing during his first Detroit Red Wings training camp last fall. He’s continuing to make an impression wearing a different red jersey at the IIHF World Junior Championship.

Danielson is also already enjoying better outcomes this month in Sweden then those that were afforded to his future NHL club when the Red Wings went 0-1-1 in two NHL games played in the Scandanavian country.

Danielson scored the opening goal and set up the second as Canada was rolling to a 5-2 verdict over Finland. It was the tournament opener for both nations. For his efforts, Danielson was earning recognition as Canadian player of the game.

The first goal of the tournament and an assist … Your Player of the Game is Nate Danielson!

Auteur du premier but du dans le tournoi et d’une mention d’aide… votre Joueur du match : Nate Danielson!#WorldJuniors | #MondialJunior pic.twitter.com/DLYfhooLs8

— Hockey Canada (@HockeyCanada) December 26, 2023

“We stuck to our game, and when we do that, there are not a lot of teams that can play with us,” Danielson told IIHF.com.

Danielson buried the rebound of a Denton Mateychuk shot to give Canada a lead at 16:24 of the first period. Early in the second period, he set up Owen Allard for Canada’s second goal. He wpuld finish the game plus-3 with four shots over 16:23 of ice time.

“We had some sustained pressure, and the puck kind of bounced to their defender and I poked it between his legs,” Danielson said. “Allard was sitting back door and I found him.”

Danielson Impressive At Red Wings Camp

Danielson, 19, was the ninth overall selection of the 2023 NHL entry draft. He’s accounted for 11-14-25 totals in 24 games this season with the WHL Brandon Wheat Kings. He was impressive during his first NHL training camp. Danielson remained with the Red Wings right up until the final roster cut following preseason play.

Lamoureux + Danielson = #WorldJuniors | #MondialJunior pic.twitter.com/Bn1RYa298m

— Hockey Canada (@HockeyCanada) December 26, 2023

“I expect him to play a big part of their World Junior team, which is always a good experience,” Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde said. “He has a confidence about him which I really like. I love the fact that even as young as he is, he came in (to camp) with an ‘I want to make the team’ mentality, which is exciting for me.”

This article first appeared on Detroit Hockey Now and was syndicated with permission.

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