Spengler Cup
Sunday, December 30, 2001
Davos, Switzerland

Jan Alston's goal 25 seconds into overtime gave Canada a 6-5 victory over HC Davos and a berth in the final of the Spengler Cup hockey tournament Sunday. The win was Canada's fourth straight in the tournament.

Davos forced overtime with two goals late in the third period. But Alston clinched the victory for Canada, scoring on his team's first shot in extra time. Shawn Heaphy had two goals for Canada. Jamie Wright, Dixon Ward and Reggie Savage had the others.

Sebastien Centomo stopped 29 shots in Canada's goal as the Canadians were outshot 34-32 in the game. Canada will face either Davos or TPS Turku of Finland in the final Sunday.

Tournament rules dictate that the top two teams in the round robin advance to the championship. Davos is currently second in the standings with five points from its four games, one point ahead of Turku. But the Finnish squad had to face Sparta Prague of the Czech Republic later Sunday and would advance to the final with a win or tie. If Sparta wins, then Davos faces Canada in the tournament finale.

"It would be nice to play Davos because they're the host team and they beat us in the final last year so it would be a chance for us to exact some revenge," said Canadian team coach Mike Pelino. "But Davos is also very capable of winning in the final.

"Regardless of who we face, we're looking forward to playing our best game of the tournament in the final."

Game Summary