2008 World Hockey Challenge

In the midst of a tumultuous summer, the PHL took a break from CBA negotiations for the 2008 World Hockey Challenge in Ottawa. Ottawa was the first North American city without a PHL team to host the tournament in the new 18,000-seat Canadian Airlines Place. The host Canadians entered the tournament as favorites with a solid young squad led by Brad McNair and Joe Murdock, and featuring young stars Nathan Sibley and Erik Camden, with Travis Sweet in net. Team USA, led by PHL superstars Darren Reid and Ryan Shelton, figured to be Canada’s stiffest competition.

As the tournament began, it was the Americans who came flying out of the gate, routing Slovakia 8-0, then Germany 7-1. After defeating Finland, The Americans faced their biggest test against the Russians, who were also undefeated. Russia was led by Ilya Rusakivich, who led the tournament in scoring with 7 points in only three games. Rusakivich scored just 13 seconds in to open the scoring against Team USA, then assisted on a goal from Sergei Gulinov early in the second. The Russians entered the third period with a 2-0 lead, when Reid scored on a breakaway to bring it within one. With 43 seconds left, Jake Wilson beat Alexei Rolonov to tie the game and send it to overtime. Wilson would be the hero again near the end of overtime, giving the US a 3-2 win to clinch first place in Pool B.

Pool A was headlined by the defending champion Swedes, as well as a young Canadian team determined to claim their first title since 1988. Sweden was led by veterans Thomas Sandberg and Henrik Akerman as well as young stars Filip Linden and Andreas Ekbom, while leading the charge for Canada was Brad McNair, Joe Murdock, Brendan Marlo, and budding superstars Nathan Sibley and Erik Camden.

While Canada stormed through their first three games, Sweden lost a shocker to Czech Republic in the opener. At the conclusion of the Round Robin, Canada and Sweden clashed to decide first place in the group. Sweden would hold the tie-breaker advantage if they won. The Canadians dominated the first period but Mats Ossler held strong in the Swedish net. Finally, with just three minutes left, Sean MacDonald hit Brad McNair with a long pass, giving McNair a breakaway. McNair beat Ossler to give Canada the lead. A late push from the Swedes came up short and Canada clinched the top spot in Pool A.

The playoff round was predictable for the most part. Russia defeated the Czechs, USA routed Switzerland 7-0, and Canada survived a scare from Slovakia to squeeze out a 2-1 win thanks to two goals from McNair. The Swedes were heavily favoured to defeat their arch-rivals, the Fins, but a big third period goal from Teemu Niskanen gave Finland the upset.

The Fins went on to face Canada in the semis and came out strong, taking a 2-1 lead into the third period before McNair hit Camden with a long pass to send him on a breakaway. Camden buried it to tie the game. Four minutes later, Camden scored again as Canada took the lead. Garret Lowendawsky’s empty-netter sealed it and Canada advanced to the final. Meanwhile, Team USA faced Russia and jumped to an early 4-0 lead. But the Russians stormed back to within a goal in the second period thanks to a three-point effort from Ilya Rusakivich. The Russians almost tied it in the third when a Sergei Gulinov shot was stopped by Mark Davis’ glove. Jake Wilson sealed the nail bitter in the final moments to set up an all-North American final.

The final game was one of the most hyped-up games in WHC history. Canadian Airlines Place was packed to standing room only while 3,000 more gathered outside to watch on a big screen. Fans across the country tuned in for the game, which would be the most watched TV program ever in Canada. South of the border, American hockey fans hoped to see their first world title since 1992. The game remained scoreless into the third period, with both teams exchanging chances and Travis Sweet and Mark Davis both standing on their heads. Finally, three minutes into the third period, Joe Murdock bead Davis to give Canada a 1-0 lead. The Americans pressed as fans across Canada held their breath. Finally, Derek Ewin beat Davis on a breakaway to make it 2-0. The clock ticked down as fans belted out “Oh Canada”. The Canadians were world champions for the first time since 1988. Brad McNair was named tournament MVP, but it was 18-year-old Erik Camden who had stolen all the headlines. Camden had 11 points in seven games and had dominated the tournament in all aspects at only 18 years old. “He’s going to be something else, look out PHL” said Canadian head coach Rex Hull.