Games got underway on Sunday at the Summer Showcase, and Montreal Canadiens prospect LJ Mooney turned heads in Team USA’s game against Sweden. The Habs prospect got a goal and an assist in USA Blue’s 5-2 loss against Sweden.
The fourth-round pick at the last draft made a fantastic no-look cross-ice pass to set up Luke Osburn to tie up the score late in the first frame. The score remained 1-1 until Mooney scored with a top-corner effort to give the USA its first and only lead of the game with just over a minute left in the second frame. The Swedes exploded for four goals in the final period to get the win.
Speaking to the media after the game, Mooney was asked how he felt about being drafted by the Canadiens and the pressure that comes with it, and he replied:
I couldn't be happier about that. They provide so much support; they're fantastic, and the fanbase is there. I was so lucky to be drafted by (the Habs). Just having them behind me, it's fantastic.
The 5-foot-7, 157-pound forward doesn’t have a big frame, and being selected by a team that bet on Lane Hutson, who’s not big either, comes as a bonus. Asked how much inspiration he got from Hutson, he replied:
He's unbelievable. I watched him play with the USNTDP 🇺🇸 a little bit…Getting drafted by the same team. I think he was doubted, so having people doubt me also, I think it's pretty cool to have that guy.
Mooney won’t have much time to rest on his laurels after his standout performance against Sweden, since Team USA Blue will be back in action at 1:00 PM CT on Monday. We will, of course, keep a close eye on that game and report back.
-1752556723-q80.webp "Lehigh Valley Phantoms Announce John Snowden as Head Coach")