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Canada Crowned Champs 20 Years Ago!
2020-06-29
Celebrating the 1st ISBHF World Junior Championships...
It was the year 2000 and the 1st ISBHF World Junior Ball Hockey Championships in Kralupy nad Vltavou, Czech Republic...
Imagine telling twenty-two young adults that we're throwing you on a plane and you're going to Europe to play ball hockey and represent your Country in the heat of the summer. Times were different back then. The game was just starting to get global notoriety. The players, staff and parents didn't know what to expect. What they got was life long memories!
In the summer of 1999 the CBHA hosted the 1st U19 Junior National Championships in Ontario. The 1998 Junior Provincial Champions Vaughan Capitals was selected as Ontario's first entry. They got some help from the 1999 Provincial Champions the Toronto Jaguars. A powerhouse team was assembled en route to the Championship defeating teams from British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario. This began the process of the first Junior National team.
The late Anthony Muia, who was the head of minor ball hockey in the Toronto area, spearheaded this venture appointing Jaguars Head Coach Gerry Panza and Assistant Coach Pino Panza as the coaches. The team was mostly the same from the National Champion Vaughan Capitals.
On June 20, 2000 the team would assemble at the airport. The camaraderie would begin. These boys were about to have the time of their lives! The team would arrive in Prague early on June 21 and a short forty-five minute bus ride to Kralupy. The bus ride would be eye opening as signage of the tournament could be seen on the entire route. As the team rolled into town, the eight nations competing had their flags hanging through the city's main street. Kralupy was a town of 16,000 people and they were well invested into the ever growing game of ball hockey.
The hotel would be situated inside the arena. A vintage arena with glass on one side and 4,000 seats. Canada, of course, was the star attraction. It was very rewarding not having to travel to and from the games. The market was across the street and restaurants close by. It was perfect.
As the team settled, the staff got ready for a 7pm practise. Guess it was posted, as people filled the arena. It was going to be a light run but as the boys hit the floor the energy was at an all time high. The arena was a sweltering 35 degrees. One of the most intense workouts the team had throughout their journey. Maybe it was the excitement of being across the ocean playing the game they love. Or maybe it was putting on that Canadian jersey that got the juices flowing.
Canada would be drawn into Group B with Slovakia, Switzerland and Italy. Group A would include the host Czech Republic, United States of America, Germany and Latvia. A three game round robin with the top two teams in each group advancing to a playoff round robin.
It was early morning on June 22 when the boys were awoken by a ruckus. It was comical as the boys ran out to the hallways with their eyes half closed wondering what was going on. As they moved towards the lobby they could see the arena packed for the start of the tournament. Hundreds of elementary school kids were there to see them play. A staple at the tournament was the loud music and cheerleaders/dance pack for every game. The boys were fired up!
Canada would begin their quest for Gold at 3:30pm against Switzerland. Through the first two periods the Canadians relied on two goals from defenseman Brad Foote and goaltender David DiGironimo's strong play to maintain any type of advantage, as they struggled to find their legs. In the third period however, all four lines picked up the pace and dominated the balance of the game scoring three more goals and posting a 5-2 victory.
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The next day Canada would play two games starting at 10:30am. The teams powerful offence came to the forefront against a severely over matched and much younger Italian team, as they cruised to a 21-0 win. Forwards Marco DeCocco and Jessie Martell each contributed hat-tricks.
The final game of the round robin would be played at 6pm against Slovakia and after giving up an early 3-1 lead, Canada quickly responded with two goals, thirty-two seconds apart from standout defenseman Greg Chambers. With the first one coming only eighteen seconds after Slovakia's tying marker. That seemed to take the steam from the Slovak's momentum. The Canadians added three more goals to easily outpace one of the pre tournament favourites 8-4. The win would prove costly as the team lost three key players to injury.
Having won their division in the first round, Canada carried over two points, from their win against second place Slovakia, into the playoff round robin. With a win over the United States in their first game of the second round, Team Canada could guarantee a place in the final.
June 24 called for an 8am game against the United States. Right from the opening whistle the Canadians gave a determined effort. However after building a two period 7-2 lead, on a five point performance from Chambers, the Canadians' nerves almost completely unraveled. They got into penalty trouble and allowed the Americans to tie the game with just over two minutes remaining. Seventeen seconds from the end of the game Paul Filice scored the winning goal, saving Canada from suffering a major upset.
Later that day, 6pm to be precise, the much anticipated final game of the second round featured the two greatest rivals in the game, Canada and the Czech Republic. Both teams were undefeated and had qualified for the Gold Medal Game scheduled the next day. Canada's coaches used this opportunity to rest several players. The hometown Czech's, spurred on by a capacity crowd chanting "Czecky Czecky", mounted an inspired attack. The Czech Republic would pour it on and on with a 9-2 thumping. The demoralized Canadian team had to endure further humiliation as he Czech's taunted them after the game, and paraded around the arena, confident of their certain Gold Medal win the next day.
June 25 at 4:30pm local time the Zimni Stadion was at its capacity. Loud as can be. The music blaring and the dance pack added to a great atmosphere. The boys woke up determined to extract revenge. The injured played all insisted on dressing, much to the surprise of all in attendance especially the Czech team. Canada needed a stellar performance by DiGironimo between the pipes, a solid two hundred foot game and some luck to get the job done.
The opening ball was dropped. DiGironimo stood tall as the Canadians withstood the heavy pressure through the opening minutes. The first goal of the game would be scored by Canada's Joey Ambrico, streaking off the right side. Ambrico, one of the surprise starters, was on crutches the previous day with an ACL injury. Minutes later Joe DiBiase, who had been out with a concussion since the Slovakia game, added to the Canadians lead. Riding the morale boost of the return of their injured players, including top faceoff man Martell, playing with a cast on his broken wrist. Team Canada seemed to be destined to write a new chapter in the book of great underdog achievements, as DeCocco, nursing a groin injury, scored to pad their lead to 3-0.
The Czechs were determined to make history of their own and in the second period they scored two quick goals, the second on the powerplay. The momentum had noticeably shifted, the play of their stingy defence, protected Canada's one goal margin into the second intermission. Team Doctor, Jason Su, worked feverishly to the list of injured players in the game.
The teams traded offensive thrusts throughout the third period as the tension on both benches and in the partisan crowd build a crescendo. Midway through the third, Foote gave the Canadians some breathing room with his third big goal of the tournament. Three penalties in the final five minutes kept Team Canada from celebrating early. A last minute shorthanded clearing dump by Chambers, from beside his own net, found the empty Czech net and sent the Canadian bench into pandemonium. The full impact of their achievement did not settle in until the final whistle had blown and numerous players broke down into tears of joy and exhaustion. And to top it off a standing ovation from the Czech crowd. It can only be described as incredible!
Marco DeCocco was selected to the All Tournament Team and was also awarded the Leading Scorer Award. David DiGironimo was named MVP Goaltender and Greg Chambers was named MVP Defenseman.
Throughout the week the boys signed hundreds of autographs, exchanged memorabilia with the other Nations and were the 'darlings' of the tournament. A pre-game ritual became a fan favourite with the young Czech fans as our players would throw balls into the stands after warm up. Acting in pure Canadian fashion with respect and dignity!
The party lasted through the night, on the bus and carried over into Prague the next day. The boys will have lifelong friends and memories of this week and will always be remembered as the first ever World Junior Ball Hockey Champions!
When the team returned home they were welcomed at the airport by hundreds of family, friends and media including spots on Global, CTV , CBC and City TV sports.
Congratulations to the 1st ever World Junior Ball Hockey Champions!
Imagine telling twenty-two young adults that we're throwing you on a plane and you're going to Europe to play ball hockey and represent your Country in the heat of the summer. Times were different back then. The game was just starting to get global notoriety. The players, staff and parents didn't know what to expect. What they got was life long memories!In the summer of 1999 the CBHA hosted the 1st U19 Junior National Championships in Ontario. The 1998 Junior Provincial Champions Vaughan Capitals was selected as Ontario's first entry. They got some help from the 1999 Provincial Champions the Toronto Jaguars. A powerhouse team was assembled en route to the Championship defeating teams from British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario. This began the process of the first Junior National team.
The late Anthony Muia, who was the head of minor ball hockey in the Toronto area, spearheaded this venture appointing Jaguars Head Coach Gerry Panza and Assistant Coach Pino Panza as the coaches. The team was mostly the same from the National Champion Vaughan Capitals.
On June 20, 2000 the team would assemble at the airport. The camaraderie would begin. These boys were about to have the time of their lives! The team would arrive in Prague early on June 21 and a short forty-five minute bus ride to Kralupy. The bus ride would be eye opening as signage of the tournament could be seen on the entire route. As the team rolled into town, the eight nations competing had their flags hanging through the city's main street. Kralupy was a town of 16,000 people and they were well invested into the ever growing game of ball hockey.The hotel would be situated inside the arena. A vintage arena with glass on one side and 4,000 seats. Canada, of course, was the star attraction. It was very rewarding not having to travel to and from the games. The market was across the street and restaurants close by. It was perfect.
As the team settled, the staff got ready for a 7pm practise. Guess it was posted, as people filled the arena. It was going to be a light run but as the boys hit the floor the energy was at an all time high. The arena was a sweltering 35 degrees. One of the most intense workouts the team had throughout their journey. Maybe it was the excitement of being across the ocean playing the game they love. Or maybe it was putting on that Canadian jersey that got the juices flowing.
Canada would be drawn into Group B with Slovakia, Switzerland and Italy. Group A would include the host Czech Republic, United States of America, Germany and Latvia. A three game round robin with the top two teams in each group advancing to a playoff round robin.
It was early morning on June 22 when the boys were awoken by a ruckus. It was comical as the boys ran out to the hallways with their eyes half closed wondering what was going on. As they moved towards the lobby they could see the arena packed for the start of the tournament. Hundreds of elementary school kids were there to see them play. A staple at the tournament was the loud music and cheerleaders/dance pack for every game. The boys were fired up!
Canada would begin their quest for Gold at 3:30pm against Switzerland. Through the first two periods the Canadians relied on two goals from defenseman Brad Foote and goaltender David DiGironimo's strong play to maintain any type of advantage, as they struggled to find their legs. In the third period however, all four lines picked up the pace and dominated the balance of the game scoring three more goals and posting a 5-2 victory.
The next day Canada would play two games starting at 10:30am. The teams powerful offence came to the forefront against a severely over matched and much younger Italian team, as they cruised to a 21-0 win. Forwards Marco DeCocco and Jessie Martell each contributed hat-tricks.The final game of the round robin would be played at 6pm against Slovakia and after giving up an early 3-1 lead, Canada quickly responded with two goals, thirty-two seconds apart from standout defenseman Greg Chambers. With the first one coming only eighteen seconds after Slovakia's tying marker. That seemed to take the steam from the Slovak's momentum. The Canadians added three more goals to easily outpace one of the pre tournament favourites 8-4. The win would prove costly as the team lost three key players to injury.
Having won their division in the first round, Canada carried over two points, from their win against second place Slovakia, into the playoff round robin. With a win over the United States in their first game of the second round, Team Canada could guarantee a place in the final.
June 24 called for an 8am game against the United States. Right from the opening whistle the Canadians gave a determined effort. However after building a two period 7-2 lead, on a five point performance from Chambers, the Canadians' nerves almost completely unraveled. They got into penalty trouble and allowed the Americans to tie the game with just over two minutes remaining. Seventeen seconds from the end of the game Paul Filice scored the winning goal, saving Canada from suffering a major upset.
Later that day, 6pm to be precise, the much anticipated final game of the second round featured the two greatest rivals in the game, Canada and the Czech Republic. Both teams were undefeated and had qualified for the Gold Medal Game scheduled the next day. Canada's coaches used this opportunity to rest several players. The hometown Czech's, spurred on by a capacity crowd chanting "Czecky Czecky", mounted an inspired attack. The Czech Republic would pour it on and on with a 9-2 thumping. The demoralized Canadian team had to endure further humiliation as he Czech's taunted them after the game, and paraded around the arena, confident of their certain Gold Medal win the next day.
The opening ball was dropped. DiGironimo stood tall as the Canadians withstood the heavy pressure through the opening minutes. The first goal of the game would be scored by Canada's Joey Ambrico, streaking off the right side. Ambrico, one of the surprise starters, was on crutches the previous day with an ACL injury. Minutes later Joe DiBiase, who had been out with a concussion since the Slovakia game, added to the Canadians lead. Riding the morale boost of the return of their injured players, including top faceoff man Martell, playing with a cast on his broken wrist. Team Canada seemed to be destined to write a new chapter in the book of great underdog achievements, as DeCocco, nursing a groin injury, scored to pad their lead to 3-0.
The Czechs were determined to make history of their own and in the second period they scored two quick goals, the second on the powerplay. The momentum had noticeably shifted, the play of their stingy defence, protected Canada's one goal margin into the second intermission. Team Doctor, Jason Su, worked feverishly to the list of injured players in the game.
The teams traded offensive thrusts throughout the third period as the tension on both benches and in the partisan crowd build a crescendo. Midway through the third, Foote gave the Canadians some breathing room with his third big goal of the tournament. Three penalties in the final five minutes kept Team Canada from celebrating early. A last minute shorthanded clearing dump by Chambers, from beside his own net, found the empty Czech net and sent the Canadian bench into pandemonium. The full impact of their achievement did not settle in until the final whistle had blown and numerous players broke down into tears of joy and exhaustion. And to top it off a standing ovation from the Czech crowd. It can only be described as incredible!Marco DeCocco was selected to the All Tournament Team and was also awarded the Leading Scorer Award. David DiGironimo was named MVP Goaltender and Greg Chambers was named MVP Defenseman.
Throughout the week the boys signed hundreds of autographs, exchanged memorabilia with the other Nations and were the 'darlings' of the tournament. A pre-game ritual became a fan favourite with the young Czech fans as our players would throw balls into the stands after warm up. Acting in pure Canadian fashion with respect and dignity!
The party lasted through the night, on the bus and carried over into Prague the next day. The boys will have lifelong friends and memories of this week and will always be remembered as the first ever World Junior Ball Hockey Champions!
When the team returned home they were welcomed at the airport by hundreds of family, friends and media including spots on Global, CTV , CBC and City TV sports.
Congratulations to the 1st ever World Junior Ball Hockey Champions!