Thursday night, Team Canada became the 2016 World Cup of Hockey champions. America’s Hat defeated Philipp Grubauer and Team (part of) Europe, 2-1, winning the best-of-three championship series 2-0.
Washington Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby served as Team Canada’s third goaltender and did not receive any playing time during the tournament. Caps Head Coach Barry Trotz was an assistant under Mike Babcock.
“It’s a pretty big honor just to be named to this team,” Holtby said to ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun. “It’s pretty much an all-star team. It’s pretty cool that way. I think you’re just proud to represent your country. You don’t really question it. But you definitely gain a new perspective of guys back on your (NHL) team that are struggling to get into the lineup. It’s a tough spot.”
As Canada celebrated their victory after the horn sounded, Holtby made his way down the runway and came out onto the ice several minutes later. He joined in the ceremonial hand shake and lined-up right in front of Trotz.
Holtby would later get an opportunity to raise the plastic flower vase from Wegman’s WCH Trophy.
Photo: @kostadp
Sportsnet captured a very happy Holtby as his teammates watched Canada’s flag raised and O Canada blared over the loudspeakers.
O Canada. @HC_Men and the ACC fans stand and sing the national anthem after winning #WCH2016. pic.twitter.com/FUEjoOZ3wz
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) September 30, 2016
Eventually Canada retreated to the locker room where they drank Molson out of Jonathan Toews’ fancy toilet wand holder the WCH Trophy.
Photos: @NHL
Congratulations, Barry and Braden.
Congrats to #Caps head coach Barry Trotz, @Holts170 and @HC_Men on winning the #WCH2016! #RockTheRed #CapsWCH pic.twitter.com/h7sfo3m6zE
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) September 30, 2016
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