William Nylander heard the “Go Leafs Go” chant at the Air Canada Centre after he scored the game-winning goal in Sweden’s 5-2 victory over Czech Republic on Boxing Day. He also noticed the round of applause he received when his name was announced a few moments later. “That was amazing,” said Nylander following Sweden’s opening game at the World Junior Hockey Championship. “It’s a great feeling when you are sitting there on the bench.” Welcome to Toronto, William. As the Toronto Maple Leafs first round pick (8th overall in the 2014 NHL draft) he will be the focus for Leafs fans as the tournament opens with Group B (Denmark, Sweden, Russia, Switzerland and Czech Republic) playing games in Toronto. The 5-ft-11, 170 pound forward scored a goal and created many other chances for Sweden throughout the game, giving Leafs fans a glimpse of what the future could hold. “It felt gd,” said Nylander. “First of all, our team played well after the two pre- tournament games. We got a gd start to the tournament.” He comes into this event having been a key offensive performer with MODO in the Swedish Elite League, where – as one of the youngest players on a struggling team - he is second in scoring with 19 points in 19 games (8 G, 11 A). “We have been getting better now,” said the 18 year-old. “We are starting to win games, so it’s been a slow start, but getting going now.” Nylander has excelled on the international stage before. He has represented Sweden on U-17 and U-18 teams. At the 2013 World U-17 Hockey Challenge, Sweden tk gold as Nylander had two goals and eight assists. If the first game here at the Air Canada Centre is an indication, Nylander will again be an offensive catalyst for Sweden. The message from Leafs management to Nylander has more to do with off the ice, than work on it. “Just growing and getting bigger. Working out in the gym and focusing on that stuff.” His slight frame tk a punishing blow early in the third period when the Czech Republic’s David Nemecek hit him hard into the boards. Nemecek got a two minute checking to the head penalty, and a 10 minute misconduct. Nylander returned to the game and said he felt fine afterward. Wearing number 21 (Borje Salming wore that number with the Leafs) wasn’t lost on Nylander, who said he didn’t pick the number – it was assigned to him – but he wasn’t going to say no. “Of course not,” smiled Nylander. “He has enough talent and hockey sense to play as a first-line centre in the NHL,” said a scout taking in the game, impressed with Nylander’s “pace of play.” “You come here you want to play your best, and obviously show you are one of the top players,” noted Nylander. “Playing in the world championships, you are pretty excited. 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