Cowan has one goal and two assists in three games with Canada at this year's World Juniors.

After Cole Eiserman scored in the third period of Team USA's 4-1 win over Team Canada at the World Juniors, he had some words for Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan, who took a boarding penalty before the goal.

"Atta boy, Cowboy," Eiserman can be seen shouting as he skated by Canada's bench after the power play goal.

Canada's game on New Year's Eve was undisciplined. They had 22 penalty minutes and allowed the United States seven power plays. The Americans scored three of their four goals on the man advantage.

Eiserman's reaction comes after Cowan sent USA defenseman Aram Minnetian into the boards from behind in front of the Canadian bench. It was the 19-year-old's second infraction of the game after taking an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty with Ryan Leonard in the first period.

Just over 12 hours removed from the game, Cowan was asked about Eiserman's reaction to the Canada bench after the goal.

"It is what it is. It’s just competitiveness. Everyone’s competitive," Cowan told reporters, including TSN's Mark Masters. "He scored a goal and he was giving it to me and (I) deserved it. I took a bad penalty."

Canada vs. the United States on New Year's Eve at the World Juniors is often a tradition in the tournament. There are plenty of great memories when the two countries face off.

That's part of what made Eiserman's goal so special for him.

"USA and Canada. I'm a pretty emotional guy when it comes to this game," Eiserman told reporters, including Masters. "I love it and I let it all out when I scored."

Can Eiserman reveal what he told Cowan and Canada's bench after scoring?

"Probably stuff I shouldn't say on the mic. Good fun on the ice and that stuff doesn't come off the ice. Just on the ice. I like to be competitive and have fun."

Both teams had a day off on Wednesday before playing in the quarterfinals on Thursday. Canada will play Czechia — a rematch of last year's quarterfinal matchup, which Canada lost — and Team USA faces Switzerland.

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