Avalanche Prospect Behrens, USA Win Bronze at World Juniors

The Colorado Avalanche only had one prospect playing at the World Junior Championships, but he’s at least heading home with a medal.

Defenseman Sean Behrens and Team USA defeated Team Sweden 8-7 in overtime in what was a wild Bronze Medal game. The second period alone featured the teams trading nine goals.

The Bronze medal comes just one day after Team USA fell to Team Canada 6-2 for a chance to play for Gold.

Behrens, a second round draft pick for the Avalanche in 2021 and the teams top prospect, did not register a point in the Bronze medal game but was consistently one of the teams best defenders throughout the tournament. He finished the World Junior Championships with a goal and two assists.

World Juniors game score leaders after the group stage.

Connor Bedard (2023) and Logan Stankoven (DAL) are ahead of the pack, followed by Jimmy Snuggerud (STL). Sean Behrens (COL), Stanislav Svozil (CBJ) and Luke Hughes (NJD) are at the top among defencemen. pic.twitter.com/rx9mAVjOtL

— Lassi Alanen (@lassialanen) January 1, 2023

The 19 year old Behrens, who is the Avalanche’s top prospect, will now head back to the Denver Pioneers to finish his sophomore year of College. His 8 points in 16 games is good for second on the team amongst defensemen. Behrens helped DU capture their ninth national championship last year as a freshman.