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Ben Danford is a highly rated prospect for the Toronto Maple Leafs, picked 31st overall in the first round of the 2024 NHL draft.
The defenseman stands at 6'2" and weighs around 195 pounds, offering a mix of size, mobility and reliability in defense that has made him a standout in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).
Danford was picked among 44 players for Hockey Canada's World Juniors Summer Showcase. As the only representative from the Maple Leafs, he will take part in the annual event, where Canada's World Junior coaching staff will analyse potential candidates for the 2026 World Juniors, set to take place in Minnesota in December.
During an interview with TSN, Ben Danford reflected on receiving Team Canada's World Juniors camp, saying that he felt incredibly surreal.
"It was super surreal. As a kid, you dream of playing on the World Junior team and getting invited to this showcase. It's just one more step closer to making the team. It's pretty surreal," Danford said.
He said that as a kid, he dreamed of playing for the World Junior team and attending the showcase, considering it as a major step towards making the team. He added that getting the opportunity to play for Team Canada in the World Juniors would be a fantastic experience, and he is excited to see how it unfolds.
"I think I can recall four or five that I watched that turned into a gold medal. It's really cool to see. It's a huge Canadian tradition over Christmas break. Everyone gets together with their family and watches it. If you're ever able to actually play for the World Juniors for Team Canada, it's pretty cool. We'll see what happens," he added.
Banford produced 25 points through five goals and 20 assists with the Oshawa Generals in the 2024-25 OHL season.
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