Statement By The Prime Minister Of Canada

April 24, 2008

OTTAWA - Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement today to congratulate Canada’s Men’s under 18 Hockey Team:

“On behalf of all Canadians, I would like to congratulate Canada’s young hockey players on winning the gold medal at the 2008 IIHF World U18 Hockey Championship in Kazan, Russia.

All of Canada is proud of the outstanding performance of our 22 players. Once again, our young athletes have proven that they are up to the challenge by facing and beating the best players in the world. These hockey players represent the future of Canadian hockey, and based on today’s results, our future looks bright.

Canada defeated Russia, 8-0, to earn its second-ever gold medal at this event. Canada’s first gold medal win at the U18s was in 2003. Canada also won the silver in 2005.

Our Government is proud of Canadian athletes in each and every sport in which they compete as they represent this country on the international stage.”