Sweden Games
February 7, 2003
Stockholm, Sweden

Canada's record at the 2003 Sweden Games falls to 0-1-2 with a heartbreaking 3-2 loss to Czech Republic that was decided with a shootout.

Former NHLer Michal Sykora opened the scoring for the Czechs, at 4:29, beating Canadian netminder Joaquin Gage.  Mike Maneluk evened the score of 18:29 of the opening frame, with an assist being awarded to David Nemirovsky.

Calgary Flames' prospect and former National Junior Team member Chuck Kobasew put Canada ahead with a powerplay marker at 13:53.  Canada led 2-1 after 40 minutes of play.  Tomas Blazek put the Czech on equal terms at 1:56 of the final period.  The two teams were held off the scoresheet through the third period and through a five minute “sudden victory” overtime period.

Goaltenders Gage (Canada) and Roman Malek (Czech Republic) made life difficult on the shooters during the shootout, with the first five shots being stopped.  But Detroit Red Wing draft pick Jiri Hudler finally solved Gage, giving the Czech Republic a 3-2 shootout victory.

Canada closes out the 2003 Sweden Games against Finland on Saturday, February 8th.