CALGARY, AB – Team Canada, led by a 25 save shutout performance from goaltender Ryan Munce (Mississauga, ON), defeated Slovakia 3-0 to capture the 2003 World Under-18 Hockey Championship on Tuesday. The game was played in front of 8,700 spectators at Arena 2000 in Yaroslavl, Russia.

Due to some flight cancellations in Russia, Canada’s return travel plans have not been confirmed at this point. Details will be released as soon as they become available.

After a thrilling 2-1 overtime victory over the defending champions, Team USA in Sunday’s semi-final, Canada was energized and ready for a tough Slovakian squad.

Toronto, ON’s Anthony Stewart opened the scoring in the first period, converting a Patrick Coloumbe (St-Fabien, QC) pass at the 11:25 mark.

Shawn Belle of Edmonton, AB added to Canada’s lead late in the second period after taking a Brennan Chapman pass and beating Slovakian goaltender Jaroslav Halak. Canada took a two-goal lead into the final period.

In the third, Ryan Getzlaf (Regina, SK) put the icing on the cake with a goal just over four and a half minutes in.

The win gives Canada their first World Under-18 title after participating for the first time in 2002.