At the end of the group stage, Canada’s leading scorer is 23-year-old Dylan Cozens with 10 points – seven of which have come in the last three games. He scored two goals, including the overtime winner, in Canada’s last Group A game against Czechia to give him a tournament-leading eight in that category.

“(Colton) Parayko had a great middle drive and I just tried to make a little slip pass to him,” Cozens said about the shorthanded OT goal. “It was just a lucky bounce that somehow found its way back onto my tape. I just made a quick play and it found its way in. I’ll take it.”

The game was a battle for top spot in Group A and the Czech fans knew what was at stake as their team rallied from a late 3-1 deficit to force overtime, creating a deafening noise.

“It was definitely one of the best atmospheres I’ve ever played in, said Cozens. “Their fans were awesome – it’s so fun to play here in Europe, especially against the home team. It was just a fun game all around. Both teams battled hard and played great.”

This is Cozens’ second IIHF World Championship and he put up big numbers in his first one as well – 13 points in 10 games two years ago in Finland, where he won a silver medal. Three years ago, he led the World Juniors with eight goals and also won a silver there.

Asked to explain his scoring success, he said, “I don’t know, I’m just playing for the team and the country, and playing with some great players who have made it easy for me. I think as a team we’re well-structured and that brings out our best.”

Cozens has picked up four of his goals on the power play, where he’s had chemistry with Buffalo Sabres teammate Owen Power, and has connected well on a regular line with Andrew Mangiapane and Michael Bunting.

“We all became pretty close friends right away,” Cozens said about his linemates. “It’s just so easy to play with those two guys. They’re always talking and always in the right spots battling.”

“I kinda knew ‘Bunts’ growing up, so I know what he’s all about, being around the net making those close plays there,” said Mangiapane. “But Cozy, this is my first time playing with him or seeing him on the ice. It’s a lot of fun – he’s playing great right now. I’m just trying to find him and he’s putting it in the back of the net for us.”

Mangiapane identified Cozens’ speed and shot as his biggest assets, saying, “He’s doing it all for us right now. He’s a smart player and he’s young, so he’s still got a lot of growing up to do, but you can see his skill and all the plays that he can make.”

Cozens said of Mangiapane, “He’s such a great all-around player, so smart with the puck finding open guys, so I just try to get open and he finds me.”

Cozens, one of the few players to make it to the NHL or represent Canada internationally from the Yukon Territory, spoke a bit about his summer holiday plans to fascinated European journalists.

“I’m so happy to be from there,” he said. “I have so much support from back there and I’ll be going back there for a bit for sure. I just love being outdoors, hunting, fishing, and all that kind of stuff.”