Just over a month ago most hockey fans had no idea who Hershey Bears defenseman John Carlson was, now there‘s little doubt about him. The 20-year old World Junior Gold Medal winner and Natick, Massachusetts native has had quite a month since late December.

Besides the obvious overtime spectacular goal scored against Team Canada to secure Team USA’s second ever gold medal in the 2010 World Junior Championship, Carlson was named to and participated in the 2010 AHL All-Star Classic and Skills Competition and only a day later received a promotion to the NHL’s Washington Capitals.

Has life been any different for him since that overtime goal? “No not really,” chuckled Carlson. “A lot of guys give me crap about it that are Canadian and what not. It’s pretty cool and all in good fun and to be noticed like that makes it that much better.”

After viewing replays of the goal it showed that he was not even looking at the net when he shot the puck, instead he was zoned in on linemate Derek Stepan when he let it fly. Many fans thought this “no-look” play may have been something worked on in practice.

“I was thinking pass the whole way and then I thought I’d take a chance and it turned out to be the right one I guess. I probably couldn’t do it nine times out of ten so it was pretty special.”

As you may have remembered Team USA had given up two late goals to their opponent to tie things up at 5-5 heading into overtime. Momentum and home ice advantage were clearly in Canada’s favor. Carlson added that Coach Dean Blais knew just the recipe to keep the Americans spirits high.

“Just relax and put everything that’s happened behind you and go forward from there. Don’t worry about what just happened and just play our game. We thought we had the better team and it turned out that way.”

The 2008 NHL 1st round draft pick (Washington) turned out to make quite an impact in this tournament scoring 7 points in 7 games with a +8 rating including an additional goal earlier in the gold medal game. He was also named to the tournament All-Star team.

Such a difference maker for the red, white, and blue, but where was he last year?

“I didn’t get chosen to play last year. I would’ve loved to but they had different things in mind, but the opportunity came around this time and I can’t say no to that.”

It’s obvious that Team USA should count their blessings for getting it right this year.