Bill Ranford's brilliant goaltending in 1994 gave Canada its first World Championship since 1961, as he allowed just seven goals in six games for a 1.17 goals-against average and clinched the victory with a final save in a shootout win over Finland. Ranford also became the first Canadian to be named Best Goalie at the world tournament since Seth Martin back in 1966 and earned a spot on the All-Star Team.
Previous to the 1994 world title, Ranford had posted a 6-2 record and a 1.86 goals-against average at the World Championships in 1993, though Canada managed only a fourth-place finish that year. In 1991, Ranford allowed just 1.75 goals per 60 minutes to lead Team Canada to victory in the Canada Cup. Later, Ranford would serve as a backup goaltender behind Curtis Joseph at the 1996 World Cup of Hockey. |