Thursday, April 24, 2008

Convincingly Golden


Canada’s Under 18 squad secured the gold medal on Wednesday, with a punishing 8-1 victory over the host Russian team.

In a game where the outcome was never in doubt, Canada took a commanding 5-0 lead out of the first period and added three more goals before receiving their gold medals, a win that erased the sting of their only loss in the tournament, to the same Russian squad during the preliminary round.

The Canadians came out fast, showcasing both their skill and character as they dominated all facets of the game, leading to the most lopsided victory in the history of the Under 18 tournament.

Canada’s quick start knocked the Russians on their heels for most of the game, and the five fast goals in twenty minutes all but had the white flag running up at the Russian bench before the first intermission was even over.

Taking coach Pat Quinn’s game plan and executing it to the letter had the coach singing the praises of his young players in post game interviews, where he talked about the way the team came together during the pre tournament period and more than proved themselves as the games continued on.

The gold medal win marks the second time that Canada has taken top honours since the tournament was created back in 1999, Canada did not participate in the tournament for the first three years, joining the roster of teams in time for the 2001 tournament.

Canada now is one gold away from tying both the Russians and Americans who have collected three gold medals each at the World Under 18s .

Canadian Press-- Canada rolls to gold at world under-18s
Hockey Canada-- CANADA’S NATIONAL MEN’S UNDER-18 TEAM WINS GOLD

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