You don’t get much closer to perfection than this.
From start to finish, Team Canada was utterly flawless at this year’s IIHF World Championship. They dropped Russia 6-1 in Sunday’s Gold Medal game to cap off a perfect overall record of 10-0 in the tournament.
Canada completely dominated Russia in the deciding match, owning puck possession and finishing with a 37-12 advantage in shots. Sidney Crosby, Claude Giroux, Cody Eakin and Tyler Ennis all notched a goal and an assist in the final game, while Tyler Seguin scored his ninth goal of the event.
Overall, Canada outscored their opponents 66-15 over the course of the 10 games, and an even more impressive 17-1 in the elimination rounds.
It was an excellent showing for the three Dallas Stars on the Canadian roster. Jason Spezza finished as the tournament leader in points, with 14 in 10 games, and was also named the Best Forward. Seguin led all players in goals. Eakin played primarily on the team’s 4th line, but still registered six points in nine games. This was a great opportunity for all three players, and will provide them with valuable experience that they will be able to carry forward in their NHL careers.
have more Canadian hugs http://t.co/bDhUyj59kf http://t.co/UvDo1iDZoW http://t.co/E0zjdUQcjV
— Stephanie Vail (@myregularface) May 17, 2015
Stars general manager Jim Nill, who put together this Canadian roster, can also add a nice feather to his cap.
Earlier in the day the United States earned a well-deserved Bronze Medal thanks to a 3-0 victory over the host nation, the Czech Republic.
Winnipeg Jets goaltending prospect Connor Hellebuyck stopped all 39 shots that he faced, while Nick Bonino scored the game-winning goal in the first period and also added an assist.
Stars prospect Jack Campbell didn’t play in the elimination rounds, but still received a bronze medal after starting two games in the preliminary rounds.
Congrats to Team USA and @1JackCampbell for your Bronze Medal win today @100degreehockey @TexasStars @seanshapiro pic.twitter.com/2zQ9VXhMAu
— Dave ORourke (@DaveORourke21) May 17, 2015
Training camp doesn’t start until September, but for Spezza, Seguin, Eakin and Campbell this year’s World Championship will certainly give these players something to smile about over the long summer months.