Canada has won the Spengler Cup for the fourth time in the past five years.
The Canadian team, comprised mostly of European-based pros, including many ex-NHLers, beat Trinec Ocelari of the Czech Republic 4-0 in the final of the annual Christmas tournament on Tuesday in Davos, Switzerland.
It was the 16th overall Spengler Cup title for Canada, breaking a tie with host HC Davos for most in tournament history.
Canada went 4-0 this year and outscored opponents 19-2, setting a record for fewest goals allowed in the tournament.
Goaltender Zach Fucale made 26 saves for his second straight shutout.
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“This team was unreal. We had an awesome group of defencemen and everyone made me look good,” said Fucale, a native of Laval, Que. “I really did not have to do anything special because our team played great, so it was a lot of fun.
“I just tried to stay focused and a few times throughout the tournament I got pretty lucky, but it was such a great experience with a great team.”
Fucale, who is playing for Orlando of the ECHL this season, gave up just one goal in three starts. He finished with a 0.33 goals-against average and .986 save percentage.
Fucale is 10-0-1 in three appearances at the Spengler Cup.
Dustin Jeffrey, with two, Ian Mitchell and Kris Versteeg scored for Canada.
After a scoreless first period, Canada scored three power play goals in a span of 4:07 to take a commanding lead.
Canada defenceman Maxim Noreau, forward Kevin Clark and Fucale were named to the tournament all-star team
Canada lost last year’s final in a shootout against KalPa Kuopio of Finland.