World Junior Hockey Championship - History

1977-81 * 1982 * 1983 * 1984 * 1985 * 1986 * 1987 * 1988 * 1989
1990 * 1991 * 1992 * 1993 * 1994 * 1995 * 1996 * 1997 * 1998 * 1999
2000 * 2001 * 2002 * 2003 * 2004 * 2005 * 2006 * 2007 * 2008 * 2009

2000 - Skelleftea, Sweden

It was the year of the shootout in Skelleftea, Sweden, as both medal games were decided in such fashion.

The Czech Republic won its first ever gold medal by beating Russia in 1-0 in a decidedly boring final, while Canada earned bronze with a 4-3 shootout victory over the United States.

Relegation to the B Pool was also decided by a shootout, with Slovakia avoiding humiliation by squeaking past the Ukraine.

Once again, there was disappointment for the host team. With the Sedin twins, Daniel and Henrik, returning with a strong supporting cast, Sweden was expected to be strong.

The Sedins did their part, with Henrik leading the tournament in scoring with 13 points, and Daniel tying for second with 10 points. They did most of their damage, however, against weaker opponents and neither one of the twins made the all-star team.

When the going got tough, the Swedes were hammered 5-1 by the United States in the quarterfinals and fell to fifth place.

Canada's roster included its two youngest players ever to take part in the tournament - Jay Bouwmeester and Jason Spezza. Despite the youth movement, they were on track for gold until dropping a 3-2 decision in the semifinals against Russia.

Canada rebounded to take the bronze medal, erasing a 2-0 deficit against the United States to force overtime. After a scoreless extra session, the teams staged a shootout, with Canada prevailing behind the goaltending of Brian Finley.

In the gold medal game, the Russians and Czechs tried to trap one another into submission. There were plenty of shots, but few chances, and a shootout was required to break the scoreless deadlock.

Goaltender Zdenek Smid was the hero, stopping four of five shots to clinch the gold medal for the Czechs.