7 memories from the 2009 World Juniors

5) Most exciting semi-final ever?

The semi-final showdown between the Canadians and Russians was as back-and-forth as international hockey gets. Canada took the lead no fewer than four times, but saw their opponents tie it up every time. Forward Dmitri Klopov made it 5-4 with 2:20 left in the third period, but then iced the puck as he tried for a last-minute empty-netter. Off the ensuing faceoff, Tavares found Eberle in front of the Russian net, and he slipped home a backhand amid general ecstasy

For many Canadian fans, TSN broadcaster Gord Miller’s call of Eberle’s equalizer with 5.4 seconds left – “Can you believe it?” – remains the signature moment of the 2009 tournament. The Regina Pats ace would add the 6-5 shootout winner to send the hosts to the final against Sweden.

“You have 20,000 Canadians standing up watching every [shootout attempt], and you can’t really watch on the bench,” Tavares said.“Guys had their heads down or were holding each other, praying for pucks to go in and pucks to stay out.”