Smith Stars in USA’s World Juniors Gold Medal Win

USA has won the World Junior Championships – and one of their best players in the gold medal game was a San Jose Sharks prospect.

Will Smith, the fourth-overall pick of the 2023 Draft, had two assists, both primary, and was involved in a number of other Grade-A scoring chances in USA’s 6-2 victory over host country Sweden.

NHL Network World Juniors color commentator Dave Starman said Smith was USA’s best player in the first period, highlighted by a shot-pass assist on this Gabe Perreault goal.

Will Smith, with a tremendous shot pass to set up the first USA goal! pic.twitter.com/7nSyaJXN9J

— JD Young (@MyFryHole) January 5, 2024

Starman was highly complimentary of Smith throughout the game, which also included putting this pass on a plate for Zeev Buium.

Will Smith with his second primary assist! pic.twitter.com/9JaFl6U3Dn

— JD Young (@MyFryHole) January 5, 2024

It was a slow start for Smith in this tournament, at least relative to expectations.

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But he really came on when it counted, also scoring the game-tying goal in the semi-final yesterday, a 3-2 victory over Finland.

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Smith wasn’t the only San Jose Sharks prospect to excel in the gold medal game.

2022 second-rounder Mattias Havelid also had his own gorgeous shot-pass assist on this Otto Stenberg goal:

Mattias Havelid assist for Team Sweden pic.twitter.com/gmm0Md13IP

— JD Young (@MyFryHole) January 5, 2024

2022 first-rounder Filip Bystedt didn’t get on the board for Sweden. Meanwhile, 2023 fifth-rounder Eric Pohlkamp didn’t get into the game for USA.

In the earlier bronze medal game, 2023 second-rounder Kasper Halttunen didn’t register a point in Finland’s 8-5 loss to Czechia.

2022 fifth-rounder Jake Furlong’s Canada failed to make the medal rounds.

Regardless, the future looks bright for the San Jose Sharks!

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