RIGA, LATVIA – Canada was beat by Finland by the score of 5-0 in Sunday’s bronze medal game at the 2006 IIHF Men’s World Hockey Championship. Canada finishes in fourth place, and finishes without a medal at the Men’s World Championship for the first time since 2002, while Finland goes away with the bronze medal.

In a frustrating, penalty filled game, Finland scored three power play goals to dominate the scoreboard over the Canadians, however, Canada out shot Finland throughout the game 37 to 33. Alex Auld played the entire game in goal for Canada, making 28 saves including many on the penalty kill, and played a great game aside from the lopsided score.

Despite being held pointless, Sidney Crosby finished with 16 points in the Championship, and should still win the overall scoring race which will be determined after Sunday’s gold medal game.

Tomi Kallio, Olli Jokinen, Riku Hahl, Antti Miettinen, and Jussi Jokinen scored for Finland, who led 1-0 after the first and 3-0 after two periods. Finland’s Petteri Nummelin added three assists, nailing down the tournament scoring lead among defensemen with a final total of 14 points, which also ties him for second place overall with Patrice Bergeron.

Canada will return home on Monday, May 22nd to the NHL teams and/or hometowns of the players and staff, with some of the players remaining in Europe for vacation.

THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP IN CANADA IN 2008

Canada will host the IIHF World Championship for the first time in 2008, in Halifax and Quebec City, marking the 100th anniversary of the IIHF. For more information, go to www.hockeycanada.ca

For further information on Canada’s 2006 Men’s World Championship team, and the IIHF Men’s World Championship, go to Hockey Canada’s official website at www.hockeycanada.ca