IIHF World Hockey Championship

My girlfriend Kate and I had the opportunity to check out the final game of the IIHF World Hockey Championship in Halifax. It was the quarterfinal game between the United States and Finland. The game was fast paced and the skill level of many of the players was amazing.

Both Teemu Selanne and Olli Jokinen finished the game with two points as Finland defeated the United States 3 - 2 in overtime to move on to the semifinal game. Finnish goals scored by Tuomo Ruutu (Carolina Hurricanes), Janne Niskala (Nashville Predators) and overtime winner Sami Lepisto (Washington Capitals). American goals scored by Phil Kessel (Boston Bruins) and Drew Stafford (Buffalo Sabres).

• Team Line-ups (pdf)
• Game Summary (pdf)

The enthusiasm of the international fans in Halifax throughout the tournament is something that our city probably won't forget. Over 1000 Latvian fans alone arrived in Halifax for the tournament! Working downtown, I couldn't help but notice the amount of international sweaters around the city. More Latvian sweaters than any other European country, and probably just as many European sweaters as Canadian sweaters. And there was an entire fleet of Skoda IIHF cars in town for the tournament as well!

1. Tied at 2 - 2 with under 4 minutes remaining in the 3rd Period.


2. Face-off in the United States end during overtime.


3. Final score 3 - 2 in favour of Finland. Flag is raised, Finnish national anthem is played.


4. Kate and I following the game wearing Skoda Auto helmets. She looks good, I don't.