"Danford has represented Canada in the past but never in the World Juniors. He first wore his country's crest for the Canada Red U17 team at the Under-17 World Championships during the 2022-23 season, and then graduated up to the Under-18 team the following season. Last season was the first time he was not able to represent his country since he started his junior career."
"But he certainly deserves this invite. Danford was part of a massive midseason trade to send the defenseman over to the OHL's top team, the Brantford Bulldogs, from the Oshawa Generals. Since the trade the defense-first blueliner has accumulated 11 assists in just 14 games. Danford probably would have earned the selection regardless, but the Leafs 2024 first-rounder showing some offensive touch certainly makes his case even stronger."
Ben Danford received an invitation to Team Canada's 27-player training camp in Niagara Falls ahead of the 2026 World Junior Championship. The 19-year-old is a defense-first blueliner with prior Canada international experience at the U17 and U18 levels, though he missed national duty last season. Danford was traded midseason from the Oshawa Generals to the OHL-leading Brantford Bulldogs and has posted 11 assists in 14 games since the move. The Leafs 2024 first-round pick joins a roster filled with top prospects and enters camp as a candidate for the final World Junior roster while pursuing OHL and Memorial Cup goals.
Read at Editor In Leaf
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