'IT'S A GOOD FEELING'

TAMPERE, Finland - Matt Coronato, admittedly, didn't call bank.

But you've got to be good to be lucky, the old adage goes.

And Coronato lived up to it, skipping a spin-around shot off that deflected off a pair of Czech defenders and across the goal line midway through the first period to help sail Team USA into semifinal action at the 2023 IIHF World Championship in Finland on Thursday.

Much to his delight.

"I definitely got a good bounce," Coronato said. "It's a good feeling. We want to come here and win and play our game. To get it going early was a great feeling.

"Just really excited for Saturday."

Semifinal Saturday, to be exact.

Date set. Opponent TBD.

Regardless of outcome, Coronato has the chance to return from his European vacation with a little extra luggage - most certainly of the carry-on variety.

But the 20-year-old would be lugging back more than just a medal from the tournament.

He's having a time.

"I think it's just a great experience overall," Coronato said. "I don't think there's one thing specifically that stands out. It's just playing games like this in this great atmosphere against such good players.

"It's great to just learn the way the game should be played."

He might have that dialled in already, however.

Coronato hasn't just been a student of the game in his first go-round at the men's national level. He's been schooling opponents to the tune of six points (2G, 4A) through a flawless eight outings for the undefeated Team USA.

It hasn't gone unnoticed for those sharing the room with Coronato.

"He's a great player," said Team USA's starting stopper and Pittsburgh Penguins 'keeper Casey DeSmith. "He's got a good head on his shoulders, high hockey IQ, and he's got the skill to go along with it. He's been huge for us this tournament."

Ditto, suggested former Flames rearguard Connor Mackey.

"Great kid," offered Mackey, now plying his trade with the Arizona Coyotes after a trade deadline swap almost three months ago. "That's the first time I've met him coming here but I felt like we had that bond right away. When I was leaving Calgary he was coming in. Really good kid, positive guy, works his (butt) off. He's been a great addition to this team.

"I think when everyone first got here we weren't sure and we had a young group. But they've kind of been the ones driving the bus for our team, a lot of them. They fit right in and are playing with a lot of energy, a lot of passion. It's been awesome."

Coronato, of course, counts in that group that also features top prospects like Cutter Gauthier, Lane Hutson and Carter Mazur.

The kids, it turns out, are alright.

Coronato, who had 36 points (20G, 16A) in 34 games as a sophomore at Harvard before turning pro and making his NHL debut in the final regular-season skate for the Flames on April 12, hasn't been performing like a player still five months from hitting the legal drinking age in his home country, though.

His efforts have greatly helped Team USA move to within two wins of popping the bubbly.

And returning back across the Atlantic with something to declare.

"It means a lot," said Coronato, whose averaged 13:55 of ice time through the championship. "I think for me, I'm just trying to do whatever I can to help the team win...little things like playing my hardest every night. We've got a great group of guys, great team. I think everyone's contributing.

"It's been fun playing with this team.

"We've got a really close group in there. We're all working towards the same goal. We're just really excited to be in this position. I think we've got a lot of confidence but we need to know we just need to keep playing simple, keep playing our game.

"Hopefully we can keep things going."