Winnipeg Sun
Friday, January 4, 2002
By Ken Wiebe -- Winnipeg Sun

Hamilton -- Visions of the last gold medal game between Canada and Russia in the World Junior Hockey Championship still haunt certain members of the Manitoba Moose.

Back in 1999 it was Vancouver Canucks centre Artem Chubarov who broke the hearts of Canadians when he beat goalie Roberto Luongo 5:13 into overtime before a sold out and stunned crowd at the Winnipeg Arena.

As Team Canada prepares to meet Russia in the Czech Republic this afternoon seeking their first gold medal since 1997, several players from the 1999 squad took time to reflect on the game that got away.

TOUGHEST LOSS

"That was definitely the toughest loss I've ever been a part of," said Moose right-winger Brad Leeb. "We did lose in overtime and it felt like the game wasn't really over when they scored. We were ready to line up at centre and go again, it just wasn't in our minds that we were going to lose. We were going to win and there was no question."

That feeling was especially prevalent after Moose defenceman Bryan Allen tied the game with 6:08 left in regulation with a seeing-eye wrist shot from the blue-line, sending the home-town faithful into a frenzy.

After going through the experience himself, Allen offered a few helpful hints for the current team.

"You've got to play your game and know your role," said Allen. "Each guy has got to do what they do (best). Some guys might not play as much as they're used to and they've got to support one another.

"That's what we were trying to do (get pumped up). We were just excited and ready to go, we couldn't wait for it to happen.

"Obviously, there's going to be a lot of emotion for them," added Leeb. "They have to go in and do the same things they've been doing to get there. It's just a matter of keeping things in check and executing.

"There's a lot of skill on that team and with Canadian hockey, they have a lot of pride so hopefully, they can get that done."

Moose left-winger Tyler Bouck also remembers what it was like preparing for the epic battle with the Russians.

"Everyone has their nerves. You're excited about winning the gold and that is all you can picture yourself doing at the end," said Bouck. "So, there's a lot of visualizing yourself winning that game and hoping it will help you in the outcome.

"There's so much emotion, especially with Canada versus Russia. It's unbelievable and it's going to be the same for them this year."

But will the result be the same?

"They've been working really hard. Stan Butler is a great coach and I'm sure he will have them adjusted to the Russian system," said Bouck. "I'm confident that they'll come out on top."



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