VICTORIA - Premier Gordon Campbell issued the following statement regarding Canada's gold medal win at the 2007 World Hockey Championship on Sunday.

"Congratulations to the Canadian men on their 4-2 win over Finland at the Worlds held in Moscow and Mytischi, Russia on Sunday. I would also like to congratulate Rick Nash on his tournament MVP award which was well deserved.

"Four of the 23 players call B.C. their home, including Dan Hamhuis, Eric Brewer, Barret Jackman and Shea Weber. I'd also like to extend congratulations to the coaches and staff who supported our players and built an extraordinary team of dedicated, hard working players. We are also extremely proud that both the president, Bob Nicholson, and vice-president, Johnny Misley, of Hockey Canada hail from B.C. and that the team's general manager, the legendary Steve Yzerman, hails from Cranbrook.

"Canada continues to dominate hockey at the international level, demonstrated by winning all nine of their games at this tournament, as well as our wins at the World Junior Championship in January and the World Women's Championship in April.

"The accomplishments of these hockey champions set a great example for young B.C. athletes, showing them what they can achieve when they strive to do their best. We look forward to seeing Canada's reign over hockey continue right through to the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver."