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Men's Pool A
IIHF Men's World Hockey Championships
World Championships Artifact
World Championships Photo Stockholm hosted the championship nine years after the USSR had first triumphed in the Swedish city. Tournament games were broadcast on Soviet television for the first time. The tournament produced one of the most dramatic finishes on record. Heading into the final day, the outcome was still in doubt for the four medal contenders. The USSR and Sweden were in contention for the gold medal but Canada could finish no higher than second. The first game of the day featured the United States and East Germany. Although both were out of contention for the top prize, an East German win would make it easier for the Soviets to claim the gold, while an American win would mean the Soviets would have to beat Canada by 9-0 or better in their final game. A tie - and the game did end 3-3 - would mean the USSR would have to beat Canada 1-0 or by a margin of two goals. Regardless of how the Soviets did against Canada, Sweden would still claim the gold medal with either a win or tie against Czechoslovakia. A silver medal was on the line for Canada if it could beat the Soviets in the final game, but the USSR was clearly the better team and held a 4-0 lead into the final minute. Canada, represented for the third time by the Trail Smoke Eaters, managed to score two late goals, but the Soviets held on for the two-goal margin they needed in a 4-2 victory. When Czechoslovakia beat Sweden 3-2, the gold medal went to the USSR. The Swedes had to settle for the silver, while the Czechoslovaks took the bronze. Canada finished fourth and out of the medals for the very first time. It was clear now that Canadian amateur teams could no longer compete with the best Europeans. Despite the disappointing finish, Canadian goalie Seth Martin was among those selected as the best players. Swedish defenseman Roland Stolz and forward Miroslav Vlach of Czechoslovakia received similar honors.
1963 Stockholm Summary
Click on a team below to see its roster and stats.
Rank Country Games Wins Losses Ties Points GDF GF GA
1 USSR 7 6 1 0 12      
2 Sweden 7 6 1 0 12      
3 Czechoslovakia 7 5 1 1 11      
4 Canada 7 4 2 1 9      
5 Finland 7 1 5 1 3      
6 East Germany 7 1 5 1 3      
7 West Germany 7 1 5 1 3      
8 USA 7 1 5 1 3      

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