Vegas Golden Knights: Dorofeyev on target in Canada rout at 2020 WJC

It took three days but a Vegas Golden Knights player has finally made an impression at the 2020 World Junior Championships in the Czech Republic.

After a quiet opening two days at the tournament for Vegas Golden Knights prospects, day three produced a highlight reel moment.

Before we dive in, it is worth recapping that the Golden Knights only have three players in the Czech Republic, with goaltender Isaiah Saville representing Team USA while Pavel Dorofeyev and Ivan Morozov are on the Team Russia roster.

Saville has yet to dress for Team USA yet and they are next in action on Sunday when they go up against Team Russia, who had themselves a rather good day at the office earlier.

Pitting their wits against Team Canada, Team Russia cruised to an impressive 6-0 victory with a Golden Knights prospect getting on the board.

Dorofeyev, who was selected by the Vegas Golden Knights with the 79th overall pick at the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, scored Team Russia’s second goal of the game and it was an absolute beauty.

Taking control of his own rebound, Dorofeyev showed slick and quick hands to deke Nicolas Daws before switching to his backhand and applying the finishing touches.

It was a filthy move and another example of why many hockey scouts and experts project Dorofeyev to be the next Russian prospect to take the NHL by storm.

Currently out in Russia, Dorofeyev has all the intangibles required to become a success in the National Hockey League, and he’ll be hoping to show his talents on the big stage during the World Junior Championships.

It was also a hugely impressive win for Team Russia over a stacked Team Canada roster, featuring high-end prospect Alexis Lafreniere, who is projected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft.

Quinton Byfield, who may experts predict will go No. 2 overall in this year’s Draft, also played for Team Canada as did Dylan Cozens and Bowen Byram, who both went high in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.

Team Russia will now pit their wits against Team USA on Sunday, a contest that could see all three Vegas Golden Knights prospects involved in this tournament out on the ice at the same time.