'A huge honor': Donovan Sebrango helps lead Canada at 2022 World Juniors

DETROIT -- As of Aug. 20, Detroit Red Wings defenseman prospect Donovan Sebrango will be part of the history of hockey in Canada.

Sebrango, who was an alternate captain for his native country, helped Canada defeat Finland, 3-2, in overtime to win gold at the 2022 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship, which ran from Aug. 9-20 at Rogers Place in Edmonton.
"It's an incredible feeling, and doing it in that way is even more special," Sebrango said. "You get to win it in overtime in a stressful situation, that makes it a little sweeter."

Sebrango, who was Detroit's 63rd overall pick in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, finished the tournament with two assists and a plus-7 rating in seven games.
"I wanted to come in and have a good tournament before camp and I think I did that," the 20-year-old said. "I felt really good."
The defenseman said being entrusted with a leadership role didn't alter his mentality.
"You don't change anything," Sebrango said. "You just try to come in every day and be a leader for the guys. It was definitely a huge honor and something I'll remember for the rest of my life."

According to Sebrango, making the most of his time with Detroit's American Hockey League-affiliate Grand Rapids Griffins last season prepared him to wear the 'A.'
"Most of those guys are trying to make steps in the AHL next year," said Sebrango, who had seven points (1-6-7) in 65 games with the Griffins in 2021-22. "Giving them my experience helped a lot. And with my experience playing a bit of professional hockey, that probably helped calm the team down a bit in stressful situations."
Sebrango added that seeing his mother and grandmother watching from the stands throughout the tournament was extra special.
"Having them there helped me realize it wasn't as stressful," he said. "You look up in the crowd and you see them, then you are trying to win the gold medal and you do, then sharing that moment with my mom was probably the most special moment of my life."

Sebrango wasn't the only Red Wings prospect to take home hardware.
Goalie Sebastian Cossa, who won his only appearance for Canada after stopping 22 shots in a 5-2 victory over Latvia on Aug. 10, also won gold. Defenseman Eemil Viro of Finland earned silver, while forward Theodor Niederbach and blueliners Simon Edvinsson and William Wallinder helped Sweden win bronze.
"It looks promising for Detroit to have all those guys there and be as good as they are," Sebrango said. "Detroit is on the rise now. I was really impressed with how we did throughout the tournament. It's an exciting time to be a Detroit Red Wing."