2023 Red Wings first rounder Nate Danielson picked up two points in Canada's win over Finland in the Canadians' first game of the 2024 WJC
Team Canada's bid for a World Junior three-peat began today in Gothenburg with a 5-2 win over Finland. For Nate Danielson (2023 Detroit Red Wings' first round selection), it was a productive start to the WJC, scoring the Canadians' first goal and assisting on their second. He earned the player of the game honor for his efforts.
Oct 5, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Detroit Red Wings forward Nate Danielson (29) skates with the puck against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the second period at Scotiabank Arena. As the first period drew to a close, Danielson deflected home a Maveric Lamoureux point shot to give Canada a 1-0 advantage.
Then, in the second period, Danielson got to work on the forecheck, setting up Owen Allard for a close-range tap-in to give the defending champions twice over a 2-0 edge.
No nation has taken home three consecutive golds at the World Junior since the Canadians won five in a row between 2005 and 2009. This is a rare WJC in which Canada does not enter the tournament as favorites, with a loaded USA team and the host Swedes sharing that distinction. However, today's win over a talented Finland team was a statement victory that the Canadians are not to be taken lightly in their bid to three-peat.