January 5, 2007

Victoria – Team Canada’s junior men’s hockey team have done their country proud by winning gold at the World Junior Hockey Championships in Leksand, Sweden, Premier Gordon Campbell said today. This is the team’s third consecutive gold medal win, following victories in Vancouver and Grand Forks, N.D.

“The performance of our junior men’s team at this tournament was unparalleled as each member of the team demonstrated the prowess and true sportsmanship that have come to define Canadian hockey around the world,” said Campbell. “Through a combination of amazing skill and sheer grit these young men have shown what can be achieved when we work together to reach our goals.”

Campbell also congratulated the B.C.-born members of the team, including goaltender Carey Price from Williams Lake, Cody Franson of Sicamous, and Kenndal McArdle and Karl Alzner of Burnaby.

“Netminder Price showed true leadership and skill backing Canada’s third gold medal effort – and winning the MVP and goaltender awards for the tournament, as well as being named to the all-star squad,” said Campbell. “There’s a good chance that the players we cheered on over the past few days will compete for Olympic gold on home ice in 2010. The excitement hockey fans feel for this win is just a taste of the excitement there will be when the world comes to Vancouver and Whistler for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.”

Canada has won a medal in the past eight World Junior Championships.