"Known more for his physicality and defensive presence, Danford flashed a bit of offensive awareness early against Czechia. Less than a minute after the Czechs had tied the game at one, Danford took a breakout pass just inside Canada's blueline and skated it through an open lane in the neutral zone before dropping the puck to Predators first-rounder Brady Martin as he entered the offensive zone."
"That assist early in Canada's tournament opener is Danford's only point through three games, and he has contributed in other ways like being a fixture on the penalty kill, but his role has diminished in each subsequent outing. He played 17:43 against Czechia, the fourth most among Canadian defenders, then 13:18 in a 2-1 overtime win against Latvia, and he was down to just 11:46 in a 9-1 blowout win over Denmark."
Ben Danford joined Canada's World Junior roster as a third-pair defenseman, pairing with Kashawn Aitcheson and rotating among seven blueliners. He recorded an assist early against Czechia by advancing a breakout and driving into the slot to create a goal. Danford served extensively on the penalty kill and provided a physical, defensive presence. His average ice time fell from 17:43 against Czechia to 13:18 versus Latvia and 11:46 against Denmark. With games controlled, coach Dale Hunter gave Keaton Verhoeff shifts, reducing Danford's role as the tournament progressed.
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