2002-03 National Men's Under-18 Team

August 18 , 2002
Piestany, Slovakia

PIESTANY, SLOVAKIA - Canada's National Under 18 Summer Team captured the gold medal at the 2002 Eight Nations Under 18 Cup, after defeating Czech Republic 5-1 in the final game of the tournament on Sunday. Canada finished the championship with a perfect 5-0-0 record.

With the victory on Sunday, Canada has now won six consecutive gold medals at the annual summer Under 18 event held in Europe. This annual Under 18 summer event has evolved over the years, going from four participating teams, to six teams last year, and to now an eight team tournament in 2002, featuring the top eight hockey countries in the world.

The Czech Republic captured the silver medal, while Russia and Switzerland were playing for the bronze medal (late game - no report on score).

Mike Richards of the OHL's Kitchener Rangers led Canada with three goals, two on the power play and one short handed. Nathan Horton and Corey Perry added Canada's other goals to lead Canada to the gold medal win. Goaltender Kevin Nastiuk of the WHL's Medicine Hat Tigers got the win for Canada by stopping 31 of the Czech Republic's 32 shots.

Player of the Game:
CAN: Mike Richards

Game Summary