2001 IIHF World Junior Championship

Canada 2 Sweden 1

Bronze Medal
January 5, 2001
Moscow, RUS

Canada wins bronze in thrilling fashion

It wasn't the color they were looking for, but the Canadians can hold their head up high as they return from Moscow with a bronze medal.

Raffi Torres scored 0:37 in to overtime lifting Canada to its second bronze medal in the past two years. Torres' goal was the direct results of a Spezza face-off win in the offensive zone. Torres then wired a shot over a stong Swedish goaltender's shoulder.

Sweden put an uninspired Team Canada in an early hole with

Samuellson's goal 5:07 into the first period. The Canadians did however come back with a much stronger second period, resulting in the tying goal from Zigomanis. After a scoreless third in which Canada dominated with a number of odd-manned rushes, the stage was set for Torres' OT winner.

Other Canadian stand-outs included goaltender Maxime Ouellet, who finished the game with 35 saves. Along with team captain Steven McCarthy, who lead his team by showing why he is one of the premier offensive defensemen in the tournament, creating a number of opportunities for his team to score thoughout this game and the tournament.

Assistant captain, Brandon Reid, battled through a bout of food poisoning, to have his stongest game of the tournament, using his speed to create opportunities and come back on the back check.

Overall, the team played a stong, disciplined game, and can be very proud of their efforts as they take the long trip back to Canada.