Michael Hage is the WJC’s leading scorer

Vincent Larue
Michael Hage is the WJC’s leading scorer
Credit: Twitter screenshot

Michael Hage is making a name for himself at the World Junior Championship.

For the second game in a row, the Team Canada junior forward has been at the heart of the attack, to the point of being tied at the top of the tournament scoring charts with Will Zellers after two preliminary games. And today, he did it in the best possible way.

The Canadiens' prospect scored the winning goal in overtime against Latvia in the second ÉCJ game, helping Canada to an important victory. In a game that was closer than expected, it was he who took control when it really counted.

And that's not all.

The day before, Michael Hage had already had an excellent outing, collecting a goal and two assists, quickly positioning himself as one of the Canadiens' offensive engines. As a result, after two games, he sits tied at the top of the tournament scoring charts with four points, ahead of several highly anticipated names.

Clearly, Michael Hage is on a mission.

What makes his performance even more interesting is the line he plays on. Lining up alongside Gavin McKenna and Brady Martin, Hage forms an electrifying offensive unit, capable of creating offense with almost every presence.

The three complement each other well, play at high intensity, and already seem to have developed an obvious chemistry.

McKenna brings creativity, Martin plays with his physicality and speed, and Hage bridges the gap between the two by being constantly involved in important plays. It's no coincidence that this line spends so much time in the offensive zone.

For Montreal Canadiens fans, these performances are particularly encouraging, especially given the need at center. Seeing a Habs prospect dominate offensively on such a high-profile international stage is bound to attract attention and excitement. And so far, Hage is delivering exactly what you'd expect from a player who's likely to be a top-6 prospect in the future.

Of course, the tournament is still young and there's still a lot of hockey to be played. But one thing is certain: Michael Hage hasn't disappointed and hasn't gone unnoticed.

If he continues in this vein, it won't just be a question of points, but of leadership and impact in key moments.

And right now, it's hard to ask for more.


overtime

– Claude Giroux played his 1300th career NHL game tonight against the Maple Leafs.

– Brayden Schenn reaches the 700-point plateau in his NHL career.

– A tough battle between Curtis Douglas and Luke Kunin at the Battle of Florida.

– The ECHL and the Professional Hockey Players Association have reached an agreement in principle to end the strike.

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