Prime Minister Stephen Harper today met with members of Canada's 2009 Men's World Junior Hockey Team, who are currently competing in the 2009 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship.
"Following Team Canada at the World Juniors has become a holiday tradition for many Canadian families, including my own," said the Prime Minister. "Canadians from coast to coast can be proud of how our 2009 team is representing our country."
The Prime Minister met privately with members of Team Canada prior to joining Team Canada coach Pat Quinn behind the bench for a portion of an early afternoon practice.
The Prime Minister also congratulated the city of Ottawa for its outstanding effort in hosting the 2009 Championship.
"Canadians take their hockey very seriously, and people throughout our National Capital Region have done an outstanding job in staging and attending this world-class tournament," said the Prime Minister. "This event is great for the future of hockey in Canada and is a real treat for hockey fans around the world."
Canada is one of ten teams competing for gold at the 2009 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships, the most prestigious tournament of its kind in the world. Team Canada has taken home the gold medal in the past four Championships. Canada will next take the ice on December 31st versus the United States of America.
