One of Madoc’s own will be in the national spotlight on Dec. 26 as Ben Danford suits up for Team Canada at the World Junior Hockey Championships in Minnesota.
Ben, a first-round pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2024, is expected to be an impact player as he makes his first appearance with the Under 20 team after suiting up for Canada at the U18 tournament in 2023. The 19-year-old defenceman is a member of the Brantford Bulldogs of the Ontario Hockey League.
Ben’s parents are flying to Minnesota tomorrow and while his mother, Lelsey, explained she’s calm now, but expects that to change quickly.
“I’m sure the nerves will hit when we’re sitting in the stands at the first game but right now I’m just excited and proud of Ben and everything he has accomplished.”
His father Al explained he’s nervous, mainly because his son will be taking the world hockey spotlight in two days.
“You always like to see your kid succeed and the level of hockey he’s going to be playing in is going to be something else. It’s exciting but also a little nerve-wracking as well.”
Despite making it to junior hockey’s most elite tournament, Al said his proudest moment is still seeing his son being drafted by Toronto.
“That would definitely be ahead of the World Juniors, but it’s unbelievable for him to be on this team. But you know what, I may feel different after the tournament, but right now, that would be my highlight. That was Ben’s team growing up and my team ever since I was young. It was unbelievable.
“It was more of a surprise to me,” added Lesley. “Oh my God, it was surreal.”
Al added his son is very aware of the pressure surrounding Canada at the tournament, particularly after two consecutive fifth-place finishes, but added they are a confident group of kids.
“Ben has said a few things to me how skilled the group is and how close the room is. He knows most of these guys from playing U17 and U18 and playing in the OHL against some of them. He seems to be very confident.”
Lesley added they visited with their son following the loss to Sweden in London last Saturday night and despite the 4-2 loss, the team still seemed confident. Al added from what he saw, Canada won’t lose to the Swedes again and added the first game on Boxing Day against Czechia will be one to remember.
“It’s going to be something. It’s one of those things where Canada is going up against a team that’s beaten them the last two years and they’re really strong.”
When asked what we can expect to see should a TSN camera show the couple in the stands at one of the games, Lesley said she’d be subdued but smiling while Al would be quietly focused on the game.
“Pretty much ever since he’s been in hockey, I’ve been the quiet type. When I’m watching Ben, I actually like to sit by myself kind of isolated so I can just watch the game. I don’t do a lot of talking.”
Adding to the interest of the game is the fact that three of Ben’s teammates in Brantford are members of the Czechian team, defencemen Vladimír Dravecký and Adam Jiříček, along with forward Adam Benák. Benák was a fourth-round pick of the Minnesota Wild in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft and is fourth in Bulldogs scoring with 43 points in 26 games.
