'I Can Operate Heavy Machinery, Excavators, Backhoes, Stuff Like That': What the Maple Leafs are Getting by Selecting Ben Danford With Their First Pick in the NHL Draft
The Toronto Maple Leafs began the first night of the NHL Draft by trading away their 23rd overall selection to the Anaheim Ducks to accumulate more picks. After moving down to the 31st pick, they selected Oshawa Generals defenseman Ben Danford.
Danford, a 6-foot-1 right-handed defenseman from Madoc, Ontario grew up a lifelong Maple Leafs fan, citing Phil Kessel and Morgan Rielly as his favourite players. He described himself as a 200-foot guy who is a strong skater with a good hockey IQ.
"I compete hard. I think that's the main thing that headlines my strengths. I block shots. I do anything for the team to win."
His blue-collar style of play could be attributed to his upbringing. His father owns Danford Construction Ltd, a 75-year-old construction company in his hometown.
"I can operate heavy machinery. So like excavators, backhoe, stuff like that," he said "It's fun. I've been doing it since I was maybe 13. My grandpa takes me out in it and I just get the hang of it."
Danford had one goal and 32 assists and admitted that the offensive part of his game could use some work. But he credited his head coach with the Generals, Derek Laxdal, as the key to honing in on the defensive side of his game.
"He kind of maybe opened my eyes a little bit when I'm going to be at the next level," Danford said. "Defense first and the offense will come kind of thing. I think that was a huge difference-maker for me."
Danford is one of many players that will be invited to the Maple Leafs' development camp that is set to begin on July 3rd at Ford Performance Centre. If there's anything Leafs fans can appreciate, it's a player who will sacrifice themselves for a puck.
Projected by many to go in the second round, there was some thought that Danford could sneak into the first round. If he can make good and become a solid NHL player, there's nothing Leafs fans appreciate more than a player who sacrifices himself for the team.
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