Byram & Cozens named top players for Canada at 2021 World Juniors
Edmonton, Alta. – Vancouver Giants defenceman Bowen Byram and Lethbridge Hurricanes forward Dylan Cozens have been named two of Canada’s top three players for the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship.
Canada’s top-three players of the tournament were named following Monday’s 5-0 win over Russia.
Cozens, a 19-year-old product of Whitehorse, Yukon, has tallied 16 points (8G-8A) through six games in the tournament, including a three-point (1G-2A) performance in Monday’s semifinal victory.
In two consecutive years representing Canada at the World Junior Championship, Cozens – a prospect of the Buffalo Sabres – has appeared in 13 games and has 25 points (10G-15A) to his name – good enough to sit tied for fourth in all-time World Juniors scoring for Canada. Eric Lindros (31 points) is Canada’s all-time leading scorer at the World Junior Championship, while two WHL Alumni sit tied for second with 26 points – former Regina Pats forward Jordan Eberle and former Moose Jaw Warriors forward Brayden Point.
Coz is on a heater! #WorldJuniors @WHLHurricanes https://t.co/iq6JS7MnEW
— The WHL (@TheWHL) December 27, 2020
Byram, a 19-year-old product of Cranbrook, B.C., has been rock solid on the blueline for Canada. His five points (1G-4A) lead all Canadian defencemen, and his plus-14 rating has him perched atop the entire tournament, tied with teammate Thomas Harley (Mississauga Steelheads).
In two consecutive years representing Canada at the World Junior Championship, Byram – a prospect of the Colorado Avalanche – has appeared in 13 games and has seven points (1G-6A) under his belt.
Both Byram and Cozens were named co-captains of Canada’s U-20 squad in December after former Saskatoon Blades forward Kirby Dach, Canada’s original captain, left the tournament due to injury.
Bo just out for a stroll. @WHLGiants | #WorldJuniors https://t.co/J6GLAnZgND
— The WHL (@TheWHL) January 3, 2021
Byram and Cozens will look to lead Canada to a second consecutive gold medal on Tuesday night (7:30 p.m. MT). Canada will face the winner between the United States and Finland (Monday at 7:30 p.m. MT).
Congrats to CHL players & co-captains @Dylan_Cozens & @BowenByram named Top Players for ?? after semi-final victory.#WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/0Gw3WPOk8F
— Canadian Hockey League (@CHLHockey) January 5, 2021
