Thaindian News

BUFFALO, NEW YORK (BNO NEWS) — Russia men’s national ice hockey team on Wednesday evening beat Canada to win the 2011 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.

The tournament began on December 26 and its 31 matches were played at two venues, the HSBC Arena in Buffalo and the Dwyer Arena in Niagara, New York.

Russia, which won previous championships in 2003, 2002 and 1999, beat Canada 5-3, forcing them to go home with yet another silver medal after last year’s second place. “On behalf of Canadians from coast to coast to coast, I offer my congratulations to Canada’s junior hockey team on its silver medal at the 2011 International Ice Hockey Federation U20 World Junior Championship,” said Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

Harper said the “competitive spirit, sportsmanship and national pride,” of Canada’s team are “an inspiration” to younger hockey players and fans across the country. “I look forward to following their achievements in the years to come,” he added.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev also extended congratulations to his country’s hockey team through Twitter. “Congratulations to our youth hockey team on winning the world championship. Well done!” the President tweeted.

Canada had started the match well and was leading 3-0 as it entered the final period of the game. But hopes of a near-certain win were ended quickly when Russia’s Artemi Panarin scored the first goal in minute 2 of the final period, followed by a second goal from Russia’s Maxim Kitsyn just seconds later.

From there, Russia continued its spree of goals and quickly defeated Canada. In minute 7 of the final period, Russia’s Vladimir Tarasenko scored the third goal, followed by another goal of Panarin soon after. Nikita Dvurechenski also scored, giving Russia a 5-3 lead until the game ended.

Last year, Canada lost the 2010 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships 6-5 to the United States. This tournament, the United States finished fourth.