Leafs 7th round pick makes an interesting comparison, likening himself to a character from Disney's ''Miracle''
One of the most exciting tournaments in hockey is the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships. Every year, the best and brightest Canada has to offer have the chance to play together on a world stage. Team Canada are perennial favourites, every year, stacked with the very best U20 players Canada has to offer. Every year a dream team packed with 1st round draft picks. It's arguable that no country takes the World Juniors as seriously as Canadians, and anything short of gold is viewed as a failure to execute.
For the Leafs' 2020 7th round pick Ryan Tverberg, it was a massive accomplishment to even be invited to the selection camp. It was a shock to see him make it through the first round of cuts, and a near miracle to see him make it to the final round. Tverberg was the last player cut by Team Canada for the 2021 WJHC.
Today, Tverberg was at Leafs Development Camp, working with the training staff. Following his participation in the day's activities, Tverberg found himself in front of the media, fielding some questions. When asked about his experience at the Team Canada Selection Camp, he likened himself to Ralph Cox, portrayed by Kenneth Mitchell in the 2004 Disney Movie "Miracle." Cox was the last one cut from the 1980 US Olympic Team by coach Herb Brooks.
Being the Ralph Cox of Canada didn't feel good but of course there's lots of things to take away being around great players there. After that, I was just driving to do more and [thinking] 'Why not me the next time?' And just working harder. Just using it as fuel.
-Ryan Tverberg on pushing to make the cut next time around
-Ryan Tverberg on pushing to make the cut next time around
Like Tverberg, the real life Cox was a 7th round pick, but of the Boston Bruins in the 1977 NHL draft. Cox never played a game in the NHL, but judging by his stats in the Finnish SM-Liiga, maybe he should have. Tverberg has clearly taken being cut in stride, using is as motivation to be better. Don't be surprised to see Tverberg suiting up for the Leafs in the future. He's got the right attitude and the right work ethic to make it happen. There are many fans and pundits who view this kid as having the potential to defy the odds, as he certainly has already.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 18 | 336 ANSWERS Leafs 7th round pick makes an interesting comparison, likening himself to a character from Disney's ''Miracle'' Will Leafs prospect Ryan Tverberg, a former 7th rounder, eventually make the NHL? | ||
| Yes, he's got all the tools | 96 | 28.6 % |
| No | 51 | 15.2 % |
| He's a long shot, but he could make it | 142 | 42.3 % |
| Who?? | 47 | 14 % |
| List of polls | ||
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