Detroit Red Wings

Red Wings Prospect Sebrango Makes World Junior History

Grand Rapids Griffins defenseman Donovan Sebrango wore an A for Canada in the World Junior tourney

Published

2 years ago

August 21, 2022

Bob Duff

Red Wings farmhand Donovan Sebrango is the oldest player to win a World Junior gold medal.

Detroit Red Wings farmhand Donovan Sebrango was making history at the IIHF World Junior Championship as the defenseman was helping Canada win the gold medal. Canada defeated Finland 3-2 in overtime to earn the record 19th gold medal for the country in the tournament.

While that was also exciting for Sebrango, it wasn’t the gold medal that put him into the Grand Rapids Griffins defenseman into the World Junior record book. It was the moment he draped it over his neck that history was made.

'It's one of the biggest moments of my life'

Donovan Sebrango on his excitement for the gold medal game. #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/H1nW05yPrS

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) August 20, 2022

Born on January 12, 2002, at 20 years, 220 days of age, Sebrango is the oldest player ever to win a world junior title. Since players from the postponed December World Junior tourney were still considered eligible for the August rescheduled event, Sebrango was able to make his mark on tournament lore.

Sebrango wasn’t about to let anyone label him an old man, however.

“Kind of being around the same age group, you kind of go back,” Sebrango said. “You get that feeling like you’re back in junior. But I mean I guess I kind of feel like a veteran here but I still feel pretty young and I am pretty young.

“Maybe I feel a little older than these guys. When you’re around guys the same age, you kind of bond a little quicker.”

Sebrango skated 17:55 in the gold medal game. His numbers for the tournament were featuring a +7 rating and two assists through seven games.

Red Wings Pick Viro Wins Silver Medal

Detroit draft pick Eemil Viro drew an assist on Finland’s first goal. The Finns fought back from a 2-0 third-period deficit to force overtime.

It’s entirely possible that Sebrango and Viro could both end up playing on the Grand Rapids blueline for the 2022-23 American Hockey League season.

Sebrango is the first Detroit prospect to win a World Junior gold medal since two of his 2021-22 Griffins teammates did so with Canada in 2020. Defenseman Jared McIsaac and center Joe Veleno were part of that victorious Canadian squad.