5 January 2009
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement today:
“On behalf of all Canadians, I want to congratulate Team Canada on their victory in tonight’s gold medal game.
“Throughout the tournament, Canadian players not only produced world-class hockey on the ice, they also represented our country with tremendous dignity and pride off the ice. I want to commend all of the players, coaches, volunteers, families and staff who contributed to this successful tournament. This is a well deserved victory.
“With each passing year, all countries are developing more first rate hockey players than ever before, making this tournament increasingly competitive. Yet for five years running, Canada’s Juniors have taken on the world’s best and, each time, come home with the gold. This is a remarkable accomplishment of which all Canadians can be proud.
“I also want to thank the people of Ottawa for the great job they did as tournament hosts. Canadians are proud of our hockey heritage, and this pride was clear as volunteers and staff worked endless hours behind the scenes to ensure the success of this tournament. We are all looking forward to next year when the World Junior Hockey Championship moves to Regina and Saskatoon.”
