San Jose Sharks
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.
Sharks’ World Juniors History Deep-Dive + Grades for Smith & Other WJC Prospects So Far
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.
GOTTA SEE IT: Key to Will Smith Game-Tying Goal Was His Hustle
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!
