Spengler Cup Final
December 31, 2002
Davos, Switzerland

CALGARY, AB - Canada's National Men's Team capped off a perfect 2002 Spengler Cup with a 3-2 win over the host team, HC Davos in the tournament final on Tuesday morning. The game was played in front of a sold out Davos Arena (7,680), which was sold out for all eleven Spengler Cup games. Canada went undefeated in the tournament with a perfect 5-0 record.

Granby, Quebec native Jan Alston, who plays for the Zurich Lions in the Swiss Elite League, netted two goals including the winner for Team Canada with six minutes to play. Also scoring for Canada was Toronto, Ontario's Luke Sellars, who plays with the American Hockey League's Chicago Wolves (Minor league affiliate of the Atlanta Thrashers).

Veteran netminder Corey Hirsch, recorded the win between the pipes for Canada, his third victory of the tournament. Hirsch was a perfect 3-0 with a goals against average of 3.00.

"What a great win. I am really happy for all our players, especially the ones who play here in Europe who can now be proud of this accomplishment," said Mike Pelino, Head Coach of Canada's 2002 Spengler Cup team. "The whole team, including our support staff really came together over a short period of time, which ultimately lead us to our number one goal."

The win marks the ninth time in tournament history that Canada has been crowned champions and the first since 1998. HC Davos scored narrow victories over Canada in both the 2001 and 2000 Spengler Cup finals.

Tournament awards were handed after the final game with Canada's Jamie Heward (Defence) and Paul DiPietro (Forward) being named to the tournament All-Star Team. Also named to the All-Star Team was Winnipeg, MB native Lonny Bohonos, who plays for HC Davos. Bohonos was also named the tournament's Most Valuable Player.
During the 2002-03 season, General Manager Steve Tambellini and Pelino have compiled a perfect 10-0 record including a Deutschland Cup title in November and now a Spengler Cup title.

Any media requests during the 2002 Spengler Cup can go through Pelino, who can be reached in Switzerland at the Central Sport Hotel (011 41 81 415 8200) for the duration of Canada's stay in Davos.