The Sabres only prospect at the World Junior tournament, Will Borgen, got the primary assist on the American’s game-winning goal against Canada this afternoon. His defensive partner Louis Belpedio, a Minnesota prospect, took a shot from the point that was deflected in front by Canada’s Joe Hicketts. The U.S. would go on to win the game 4-2 in its first game of the tournament.
Auston Matthews, the unanimous first-overall selection in next year’s draft, had a goal and an assist. He scored the final goal of the game with three minutes remaining to seal the deal. Colin White, who the Senators drafted with the pick they acquired from the Sabres for Robin Lehner, also scored.
The win is the first for the U.S. against Canada in the qualifying round since 1998, and is very important for seeding. The U.S. is in Group A, which features Canada and Sweden as their main competitors. Denmark and Switzerland round out the group.
The Americans will return to action Monday against Sweden.