Canada Is Denied by Upstart Czechs

Martin Rucinsky made sure the Czech Republic wouldn’t need overtime or a shootout to win the world hockey championship.

Rucinsky set up Vaclav Prospal’s first-period goal, and scored one of his own in the third as the Czech Republic denied Canada its third straight title and won the world championship, 3-0, Sunday.

“Scoring a goal in a world championship final is already fantastic, but winning is even better,” Prospal said. “Canada was tough, but we were better.”

Josef Vasicek sealed the victory with a late empty-net goal.

Tomas Vokoun, named the tournament’s best goalie, made 29 saves in earning the shutout. The Czechs (8-1) hadn’t won the gold since 2001 when they captured their third straight. It is their fifth world championship since 1996.

“It was a very tactical game and our coach told us to remain calm, stay back and wait for our chances,” forward Jaromir Jagr said. “I’m sure our fans have forgiven us now for not winning at home last year.”

A year ago in Prague, the United States eliminated the Czechs in the quarterfinals with a shootout victory.

This one didn’t come easy. The Czechs got revenge and beat the U.S. team in a shootout to win their quarterfinal Thursday, then eliminated Sweden -- the runner-up the previous two years -- Saturday with a 3-2 overtime victory in the semifinals.

With his first world title, Jagr, 33, became one of only 15 players to win a Stanley Cup ring and gold medals in the Olympics and world championships.

Maxim Afinogenov had two goals and an assist to lead Russia to a 6-3 victory over Sweden in the bronze-medal game.