After seeing limited ice time in last year's World Junior Championship, Florida Panthers draft pick Lawson Crouse is looking to expand his role as Canada attempts to defend the gold in the 2016 tournament.
"Going in, I was just there to do whatever I could to make that team," the 18-year-old forward told NHL.com. "I was there with the attitude that I was going to stick and if not, make it hard for the coaches to send me home. I guess I just went in with a positive attitude and tried to get better each and every day. I'm glad it paid off."
Selected with the 11th overall pick of the 2015 draft, Crouse scored one goal and set up two others in seven games with the Canadian contingent. He is one of five players eligible to return for this year's tournament, which will be played in Finland from Dec. 26-Jan. 5.
The 6-foot-4, 211-pound Crouse gained valuable experience during the 2015 tournament and finished with 29 goals and 22 assists in 56 games with Kingston of the Ontario Hockey League last season.
"I'm focusing right now on being a leader in that room and on the ice leading by example," Crouse said. "That's a role I can take to the next level. If I make that team, that's the role I'm going to try to take."
(h/t Florida Panthers)
