Toronto Maple Leafs defence prospect Ben Danford is eager to make his mark at the upcoming world junior hockey championship as Canada looks to rebound from disappointing results in recent tournaments.
The 19-year-old blueliner is expected to provide a steady, defence-first presence on Canada’s blue line. Known for his no-nonsense style, Danford brings reliability and grit to a team aiming to bounce back after consecutive fifth-place finishes at the annual international showcase.
Danford also benefits from guidance off the ice. Former NHL defenceman and Stanley Cup champion Jake Muzzin, now part of Toronto’s player development staff, serves as his primary mentor during the Ontario Hockey League season. The two remain in close contact, with Muzzin regularly offering advice and video feedback.
Selected 31st overall by the Maple Leafs in the 2024 NHL Draft, Danford impressed during Toronto’s training camp earlier this fall. He appeared in preseason games and earned praise from head coach Craig Berube for his simple, effective style of play—recognition Danford says boosted his confidence.
Standing six-foot-two and weighing 192 pounds, Danford returned to the Oshawa Generals after Leafs camp before being traded to the Brantford Bulldogs. The move marked his fourth team change since September, but the constant transitions haven’t slowed his development.
Danford describes himself as a defence-first player willing to block shots, sacrifice his body, and do whatever it takes to help his team win—qualities that caught the attention of Canadian head coach Dale Hunter, who referred to him as a “heart-and-soul defenceman.”
At Canada’s training camp in Niagara Falls, Danford also leaned on advice from Maple Leafs forward Easton Cowan, a veteran of the last two world junior tournaments. Cowan’s message was simple: stay true to your game.
For Danford, pulling on the Team Canada jersey at a tournament he grew up watching is a moment he doesn’t take lightly.
“It’s a huge honour,” he said. “You want to represent it the right way and give everything you have.”
Photo Credits: Insauga
