Statement

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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PRIME MINISTER CONGRATULATES TEAM CANADA ON SILVER MEDAL AT 2008 WORLD HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIPS

May 18, 2008
Québec

Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement today to congratulate Canada's national hockey team on winning the silver medal at the 2008 World Hockey Championship:

"Along with all Canadians, I am proud of the outstanding performance by our men's hockey team at the 2008 IIHF World Hockey Championship. This silver medal is very special because, for the first time ever, the championship was held on Canadian soil. The passion for the game shown by both Team Canada and the fans demonstrated once again that hockey truly is Canada's game.

The 2008 tournament was held in Canada for the first time, in recognition both of the birthplace of ice hockey and the 100th anniversary of the founding of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). Games were played in both Halifax and Québec City. The Canadian team also did Québec City proud, in this special year of its 400th anniversary.

This most recent silver medal makes this Canada's 45th medal since the tournament began in 1920.

It was an honour to attend this thrilling game with thousands of Canadians, my son Ben, and the sons of two brave members of the Canadian Forces who recently served a tour of duty in Afghanistan.

On behalf of the Government of Canada, I would also like to thank the IIHF, tournament organizers, and the volunteers who worked so hard in Halifax and Québec City. I would also like to thank Hockey Canada for all the work it does to develop generation after generation of the best players in the world."

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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