Canada realised a dream twenty-eight years in the making today at TD Waterhouse Stadium, claiming the World Championship title from the seemingly unbreakable grip of the United States.

Tournament Most Valuable Attackman, Jeff Zywicki, led the Canadians with five of their fifteen goals on the afternoon, with fellow All-World attackman John Grant Junior contributing two goals and three assists. Not to be outdone, Gary Gait scored four goals in eleven minutes during the fourth quarter.

As has been the case for all of this week, Geoff Snider was immense for the hosts at the face-off X, picking up 19 of 28 centres – a performance that was fittingly rewarded with the Championship Game MVP award. Snider would also collect the “Best and Fairest Player” award, and grab a spot on the All-World midfield during the closing ceremonies.

Mikey Powell, who picked up two goals and two assists, enough to see him repeat as an All-World attackman, led the US effort. Scott Urick rounded out an excellent tournament with another three goals, and Jay Jalbert struck twice, finishing the tournament with a place on the All-World Midfield, and with the Most Valuable Midfielder award.

Heavy rain fell for most of the final, and wet sticks really hindered team USA’s shooting, which combined with All-World goalie Chris Sanderson’s stellar performance resulted in a tournament low ten goals for the Americans. Canada looked the hungrier of the two sides with the hosts managing a 37 – 18 advantage on ground balls. Even with the USA shutting off John Grant Junior, Zywicki kept the scoreboard ticking over with a series of high quality crease finishes, and as the Canadians built up a head of steam, the US offence became increasingly individualistic in their attempts to counter.

Eventually the Americans got themselves in such a hole that they had to come out and pressure the ball, twice doubling with Goalie Trevor Tierney in the closing stages, and getting mercilessly punished by Gait, who had been quiet for the first three quarters.

A patriotic crowd savoured the sight of the Canadians piling on Sanderson at the final whistle, and the fans cheered throughout the entire presentation ceremony. The Americans, for their part, were cordial in defeat, but looked shell shocked after so many years of domination. They will be back, fervour renewed, in 2010. Aren’t we lucky?

ATJ