Burlington native helps lead Team Canada to World Juniors gold

Team Canada took home gold Thursday at the world junior hockey championships in Halifax, the first gold for Canada since 2009.

Team Canada Captain and Burlington native, Shane Wright experienced an extra special game as he celebrated his 19th birthday on Thursday as well.

“To win a gold medal at the World Juniors on my birthday is an unbelievable feeling,” Wright said. “I could not be more proud of this group. I am so excited and happy for everyone on our team, but it has not really sunk in yet.”

Wright’s backhand allowed Canada to increase their lead to two just over four minutes into the second period.

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The tournament hosts defeated Czechia 3-2, a show of redemption for Team Canada after a 5-2 loss to them in the opener.

Canada is the first team to repeat since the country won five straight gold medals in the IIHF World Junior Championships between 2005 and 2009.

This is gold medal number 20 since 1977 for Canada.

WORLD CHAMPIONS!

🇨🇦🏆🇨🇦🏆🇨🇦🏆🇨🇦🏆🇨🇦#WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/yUjkql8pvR

— Hockey Canada (@HockeyCanada) January 6, 2023

Canada booked a spot in the gold medal game with a 4-3 overtime win against Slovakia in the quarterfinals and a 6-2 win over the United States in the semifinals.

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