World Juniors: Day 1 Observations for Viro and Sebrango

Day 1 of the World Junior Championships is complete and two Detroit Red Wings defense prospects played steady during Group A games.  Eemil Viro and Donovan Sebrango played a regular shift on defense for Finland and Canada respectively.

Here are the observations for both players after Day 1 of the WJC.

Eemil Viro- #6, LD, Finland

Eemil Viro played a regular shift on the 3rd defense pairing for Finland.  Finland defeated Germany 3-1 in their first game in the tournament.  They will play Austria today at 2:00 PM ET.

1: Viro played 27 shifts for a total of 20:13 TOI for Finland.

2: Viro was an even +/- player for Finland.

3: Viro had one shot on goal during the game.

4:  Viro was on the first penalty killing unit and the unit killed off all four Germany power play attempts.

5: Viro looked confident and moved the puck with authority throughout the game.

6: Although not flashy, Viro doesn’t get caught out of position or make any glaring mistakes that result in Germany scoring chances.

Donovan Sebrango- #7, LD, Canada

Donovan Sebrango played a regular shift on the 3rd defense pairing for the powerful Canadian defense.  Canada defeated Czechia 6-3 as defensemen scored five goals, in their first game of the tournament.  Canada will play Austria on Tuesday at 7:00 PM ET.

1: Sebrango played 24 shifts for a total of 19:50 TOI for Canada.

2: Sebrango was an even +/- player for Canada.

3: Sebrango scored the game tying 3rd goal for Canada late in the 1st period.

4:  Sebrango was on the second penalty killing unit and were successful in killing off one of two Czechia power plays.

5:  Sebrango was strong on the puck and covered for his defense partner who was often caught out of position.

6:  Sebrango played a solid game at both ends of the ice and reminded me of former Red Wings defenseman Steve Chiasson when he was the captain of Canada at this tournament in 1987.

Bednar and Cossa

Jan Bednar was the backup goaltender for Czechia and did not see any action.  Czechia will play Germany today at 7:00 PM ET.

Sebastian Cossa did not dress for Canada.  Canada will play Austria on Tuesday at 7:00 PM ET.