Leafs prospect Ben Danford's World Juniors hopes just got a serious update
Photo credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Toronto Maple Leafs defensive prospect Ben Danford is having a solid season with the Brantford Bulldogs, and now, he has his sights set on Team Canada and the WJC.
Ben Danford started the OHL season as a member of the Oshawa Generals, although things eventually took a turn when he got traded to the Brantford Bulldogs.
In 15 games with the Bulldogs, he has 12 points and has already been appointed as the team's assistant captain. He continues to showcase the full range of his talents, and Leafs fans should be excited.
Now, he is looking to make Team Canada at the World Junior Championships. Playing for Canada is a major honor for young players, and Danford has been invited to training camp.
Will Ben Danford make Team Canada?
Nine defenseman are currently in consideration for a spot, and there have been questions about whether or not a right-handed shot like Danford would make the cut.
According to reports from practice over the weekend, Danford is in a very good spot right now, as he is being considered as the sixth defenseman.
He is on the third pairing, and this bodes extremely well for him, going forward. If he can retain this standing, he should make the team with relative ease.
McKenna - Beaudoin - Martone
Cootes - Iginla - Hage
Bear - Luchanko - Martin
Greentree - Desnoyers - O'Reilly
Vanacker - O'Brien - Reschny
Reid - Parekh
Aitcheson - Brunicke
Carels - Danford
Smith - Verhoeff
MacKenzie
George
Ivankovic
Ravensbergen
Cootes - Iginla - Hage
Bear - Luchanko - Martin
Greentree - Desnoyers - O'Reilly
Vanacker - O'Brien - Reschny
Reid - Parekh
Aitcheson - Brunicke
Carels - Danford
Smith - Verhoeff
MacKenzie
George
Ivankovic
Ravensbergen
The Toronto Maple Leafs will be hoping for Danford to make the team, as it would be a demonstration of how their draft pick is developing into a top talent.
We saw Easton Cowan on the World Junior team last season, and while he didn't play well, he did make an impact with the Leafs during his rookie campaign.
Perhaps Danford can follow in those footsteps, and set up the groundwork for a prosperous future with the blue and white.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 15 | 311 ANSWERS Leafs prospect Ben Danford's World Juniors hopes just got a serious update Do you believe Ben Danford should be playing for Team Canada at the World Juniors? | ||
| YES | 259 | 83.3 % |
| NO | 52 | 16.7 % |
| List of polls | ||