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Czechoslovakia
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Sweden |
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USSR |
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Vienna was the site of the 1977 tournament. Czechoslovakia won the gold to earn consecutive World Championship for the first time in its history. The embarrassment of an 8-2 drubbing at the hands of Canada on the final day of the tourney was short-lived for the Czechoslovaks. A few hours later, a 3-1 Swedish upset of the Soviet Union clinched the gold for Czechoslovakia. The key for Sweden was a hat trick by Roland Ericsson and superb goaltending by Goran Hogosta. It was the second time in the tournament Sweden had defeated the Soviets, who wound up with only a bronze medal. The Swedes took home the silver medal.
Canada returned to the World Championship after an eight-year absence and used NHL pros, including Phil Esposito, for the first time. The Canadians were humiliated 11-1 by the Soviet Union on opening day. The team was selected only from players on six NHL clubs that had failed to qualify for post-season play. Canada finished in fourth place and out of the medals.
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