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Flyers Daily: Canada Rolls in WJC; Isles’ Sorokin Back from Russia
Team Canada, which includes two Philadelphia Flyers prospects, has been ultra-impressive in its first two games of the World Junior Championship.
Canada, sparked by Mason McTavish’s four goals and two assists, spanked Slovakia on Thursday, 11-1, and is now 2-0 in the tournament. It has outscored its opponents, 16-3.
Tyson Foerster, a Philadelphia Flyers first-round choice in 2020, had an assist in 12:09 for Canada. Elliot Desnoyers, a fifth-round Flyers selection in 2020, played 12:13 but was held off the scoresheet.
McTavish, 19, a rising player with the Anaheim Ducks, was plus-7 and tied a Canadian record for goals in a WJC game. Six other Canadian players did it, including former Flyers Brayden Schenn and Simon Gagne.
Two former #Flyers on the list. https://t.co/zzKGZDF42A
— Sam Carchidi (@BroadStBull) August 12, 2022
In a nine-game stint with the Ducks last season, McTavish had two goals and an assist.
He could have skipped the WJC and concentrated on preparing for the NHL season.
But he wanted to represent his country.
“He has no ego. He probably had every reason not to come to this tournament, just because of the timing of it,” Canada coach Dave Cameron said. “And he’s fully engaged in it. His performance tonight was outstanding.”
By the way, Connor Bedard, who is expected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2023 draft, contributed a goal and an assist for Canada. He just turned 17 and is viewed as a generational player.
Team Canada will play again Saturday against Czechia at 1 p.m. You can watch on the NHL Network.
Like Canada, Team USA is off to an impressive start, compiling a 2-0 record and outscoring opponents, 12-2.
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