VANCOUVER, BC – Canada’s National Junior Team successfully defended their
gold medal at the 2006 IIHF World Junior Championship after a 5-0 win over
Russia on Thursday evening. With the gold medal, Canada has tied the Soviet
Union winning a medal for the eighth consecutive year (1999-2006). The
Soviet Union accomplished the feat from 1974-1981.

Canada has won back-to-back gold medals for the first time since their
string of 5 consecutive gold medals from 1993-1997. In total, Canada has
captured 12 gold medals, second behind only Russia, formerly the Soviet
Union, who have won 14 World Junior Championships.

Michael Blunden registered two goals, while Steve Downie, Blake Comeau and
Kyle Chipchura added singles. Justin Pogge made 35 saves for a Team Canada
record third shutout of the event.

Canada’s all-time results record on home soil at the World Junior
Championship now stands at 3 gold, 4 silver and 1 bronze medal. Canada had
not won the gold medal in Canada since 1995, when the tournament was held in
Red Deer, Alberta, winning silver twice in Hamilton (2003) and Winnipeg
(1999).

All players and staff on Canada’s National Junior Team will be departing
Vancouver on Friday, January 6. For a complete listing of departure and
arrival information, go to www.hockeycanada.ca .

For full information on the 2006 IIHF World Junior Championship, including
final statistics, award winners and features, visit the official website of
the event and of Hockey Canada: www.hockeycanada.ca