We didn’t get the chance to watch goal-scorer extraordinaire Alex DeBrincat play in this year’s World Junior Championship, but another Blackhawks prospect has stepped up with an absolutely stunning play that you need to see.
Here’s Mathias From, the Hawks’ 2016 fifth-round pick, going backhand FOR THE OVERTIME GAME-WINNER to lead Denmark in a huge upset of Czech Republic:
Denmark completes the comeback and picks up a huge OT victory. #WorldJuniors @CanadianTire #BigPlay https://t.co/JLvAqi0ZFz pic.twitter.com/J89YSEzaYZ
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 29, 2016
That’s an absolute beauty. From gets the defender to go for the poke check, then dekes around him and fires a perfect backhand shot over the goalie’s right shoulder. The goal came in overtime to give Denmark a 3-2 victory over the heavily favored Czech team.
Here it is again in GIF form because sure why not:
Blackhawks prospect Mathias From with a disgusting OT winner, Denmark upsets Czech Republic. #WJC2017 pic.twitter.com/R6i5mn4zt3
— Brady Trettenero (@BradyTrett) December 29, 2016
From, 19, was drafted by the Blackhawks with the No. 143 overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft. He’s a well-built forward (6’1, 187 pounds) and earned a spot on Denmark, one of the WJC’s underdogs, for the tournament.
This season, From has primarily been playing for Rögle BK of the SHL, Sweden’s top hockey league, with two goals and one assist in 26 games. He’s also made six appearances for Rögle BK’s U20 team in SuperElit, Sweden’s top junior hockey league, where he’s put up three goals and four assists.
The production hasn’t arrived in the SHL yet, but as you can see from this play by From, he’s got some real skill. In time, we’ll see if he becomes of the Blackhawks’ top young players.