FanHouse is keeping hockey fans updated on the happenings at the 2009 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships in Ottawa.
When it was all said and done, the best team won the 2009 IIHF World Junior Championship.
Again.
Canada claimed their fifth straight gold medal Monday night with a 5-1 win over Sweden at Scotiabank Place in Ottawa. The hosts were never seriously threatened during four of their six games in the tournament. When they did face adversity, they stepped up their game and won in spite of it.
Monday night, the Canadians were outshot by Sweden, but goaltender Dustin Tokarski (NHL rights: Tampa Bay) was at his very best. Looking like he did in the second and third periods against Team USA last week, Tokarski stopped 39 of 40 shots on the night. P.K. Subban (Montreal) gave Canada the lead just 38 seconds into the game, and Tokarski took it from there.
Cody Hodgson (Vancouver) scored twice, including the last of two empty-netters to ice the game late in the third period.
For Canada, it was a thrilling night in front of their home fans.
Russia took the bronze medal, beating Slovakia 5-2. Team USA beat the Czech Republic Sunday to finish fifth.
It was a very entertaining tournament, with by far the best game being the Canada-Russia semifinal from Saturday.
Whether you like Canada or not, you have to appreciate the amazing atmosphere their fans brought to all the games, including those not involving the Canadian team.
