Furlong displayed steadying presence on international stage
Some players burst onto the scene. Others are crafted with time. Halifax Mooseheads defenseman Jake Furlong would fall under the latter category.
However, the signs that Furlong would someday compel Hockey Canada to place him on its World Junior roster began to emerge before Allie MacDonald four seasons ago.
“He’s a kid that made up his mind very early on in his time with us that he wanted to do everything possible to make it to the next level,” the Mooseheads’ Assistant General Manager recalls. “It’s a big reason why he wears the ‘C’ for us. He’s a lead-by-example kind of guy.”
It’s a trait the 19-year-old from Upper Tantallon, Nova Scotia carries with him everywhere. Need a responsible play in your end? A timely breakout pass? A calming factor in the room or on the ice? This is the guy to count on. And that’s exactly what Team Canada did when leaning on Furlong for all of these qualities at the 2024 World Junior Hockey Championship in Gothenburg, Sweden.
Photo : Matt Zambonin/IIHF
Mooseheads’ Head Coach Jim Midgley returned to the organization this fall after a four-season absence. However, the bench boss became familiar with Furlong while he was still developing in the local minor hockey ranks. Midgley has been nothing but impressed with the progress his captain made since that time, including what Furlong brings to last year’s Gilles-Courteau Trophy finalists when not on the ice.
“He does everything right,” Midgley explains. “He’s putting in the time at the rink, he’s in the weight room, he’s eating right. There’s a lot of things we really liked about Jake coming into the season, plus he’s done a great job with our entire leadership group.”
At the time he left for camp with the national squad, Furlong, who was selected in the fifth round of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft by the San Jose Sharks, had registered 20 points in 29 games. But what could we expect from the leader of the Herd on the All-World Canadian junior squad? It’s an answer that was already starting to emerge, according to Midgley.
“He’s put up some points (this season), obviously, but it’s the way he defends,” he says. “He’s moved himself into a top four role with Team Canada with injuries and illnesses. He was counted on and Jake loves that challenge. He’s really found his game in terms of defending first and that will be his identity at the next level. He takes a lot of pride in that. I truly believe that’s why he made the team. He can play well in all situations.”
MacDonald concurs with Midgley. He also recalls a conversation former Mooseheads’ Owner Bobby Smith had with his young defensive change when the subject of point production once came up.
“Bobby told Jake he’s probably not going to reach the NHL based on point total, but rather his overall play,” MacDonald remembers. “He’s latched onto that and taken great pride in his defensive play. There’s going to be other defenseman on the team with more of a wow factor, but he’ll be leaned upon for his defensive ability. I’m sure the Sharks are seeing the same thing. Any pro team wants one of those guys on their blue line.”
After ending the World Juniors tournament with a clutch goal to his name, a +4 differential and the third most ice time on Team Canada, Furlong’s current teammates and coaches continue to be grateful he’s on their side.
Photo : Matt Zambonin/IIHF
