"In terms of representing my country it was amazing," Woll said, "and having that experience was probably one of the most memorable things in my life. In terms of development, being able to play with those kinds of players and see the pace and skill level that it takes at the higher level was something that really impacted my development and something that I took back to Boston College."
It's safe to say Woll has his focus set on earning the starter's role with the United States at the 2018 tournament.
"Of course, that's always something you want to achieve, he said. "Last year we had three great goalies and we all battled really hard for that starting job. I'm excited to have the opportunity to go back and work towards potentially leading the United States to another gold medal."
The pressure of playing at the World Junior Championship was a learning experience, but one Woll feels will serve him well if he intends to play for the Maple Leafs in one of the League's most pressure-packed marketplaces. He mentioned Carey Price of the Montreal Canadiens and Frederik Andersen of the Maple Leafs as two goalies he tries to emulate in terms of their technically sound style and calm demeanor.
"Playing in Montreal and Toronto, those are two tough markets," Woll said, "but if you look at those guys and how their careers have morphed, specifically Carey, how he's handled his ups and downs is something you really have to look up to. He had the experience of playing in the World Juniors and playing in a big market, he's been able to really focus on his game and block out the outside noise.
"Watching people like Andersen and Price, they do a great job of balancing, that so that's something I can watch video on them and try to pick up parts of their game."
