TAMPERE, Finland – Canada’s National Men’s Under-18 Team has finished fourth at the 2007 IIHF World Under-18 Championship, after losing to Sweden 8-3 on Sunday in Tampere, Finland. Canada has won two medals at the IIHF World Under-18 Championship since participating for the first time in 2002, a gold medal in 2003 and silver in 2005.

A late second period goal by Sweden’s Mikael Backlund at 19:59 of the period broke a 2-2 tie, and put Sweden ahead for good. Angelo Esposito (Montreal, QC/ Quebec, QMJHL), with two goals, and Drew Doughty (London, ON/ Guelph, OHL) scored for Canada.

Canada finished the Championship with four victories and two defeats. The team’s only other defeat came in the semifinals to Team U.S.A. by a 4-3 score in a shootout.

Canada’s World Championship Under-18 team is made up of the best available players born in 1989 or later who aren’t competing in playoffs with their respective club teams. Many of the players named today will be among the top selections at the 2007 NHL Entry Draft in June.

For full World Championship coverage, including the gold medal game summary, go to www.iihf.com.

CANADA’S TOP THREE PLAYERS
(Awarded at the conclusion of the bronze medal game)

Trevor Cann (Oakville, ON/ Peterborough, OHL) - Goaltender
Drew Doughty (London, ON/ Guelph, OHL) – Defence
Steven Stamkos (Unionville, ON/ Sarnia, OHL) – Forward

The World Championship Directorate Awards (Top goaltender, defenceman and forward) will be awarded at the conclusion of the gold medal game.

TEAM CANADA RETURN FLIGHT ITINERARY INFORMATION – MONDAY, APRIL 23rd
Players and staff will be available for media upon returning to Canada. Please note that any interview requests for players after this availability should be directed to the players’ respective club teams.

Information is listed alphabetically by FINAL destination. Arrival times are all LOCAL TIMES. Flight information may change without notice en route.

Abbotsford, BC WJ 0144 10:44 pm Colton Gillies

Calgary, AB AC 0845 4:00 pm Director, Men’s National Teams, Scott Salmond

Calgary, AB AC 1165 8:35 pm Zach Boychuk, Eric Doyle, Brandon Sutter

Cranbrook, BC AC 7253 7:19 pm John Negrin

Edmonton, AB AC 0159 9:00 pm Braden Holtby

Halifax, NS AC 0618 9:35 pm Alex Grant

Kelowna, BC AC 8399 6:14 pm Head Scout Jim Hammett, Assistant coach Jeff Truitt

Kelowna, BC AC 8424 10:40 pm Luke Schenn

London, ON AC 7719 6:52 pm Logan Couture

Montreal, QC AC 0436 6:45 pm Angelo Esposito, Keven Veilleux, Yann Sauvé

Sault Ste. Marie, ON AC 7795 7:18 pm Zack Torquato

Sudbury, ON AC 7815 7:28 pm Yves Bastien

Toronto, ON AC 9105 3:45 pm Drew Doughty, Steven Stamkos, Jamie Arniel, Trevor Cann

Timmins, ON AC 7831 7:25 pm Mark Katic

Vancouver, BC AC 0137 7:57 pm Kyle Turris

Final U.S. destinations
Chicago, IL AC 0511 6:53 pm Head coach Trent Yawney

Erie, PA CA 8682 9:20 pm Assistant coach Mike Stapleton

arrivals
Fairbanks, AL AA 0113 12:25 am Dion Knelsen

Mont Joli, QC AC 8964 6:24 pm Olivier Fortier

» 2007 World Men's U-18 Championship