Laval’s Jonathan Bernier is pictured here with proud parents Lyne and Alain on his return from the Czech Republic where he participated in the 2008 World Junior Hockey Championships. Although Steve Mason was in Canada’s nets in the semi-final and final games, Bernier was instrumental in getting Team Canada to the medal round, shutting out the Czech Republic 3-0 before losing to the Swedes 4-3 in round-robin competition.
(Photo: Martin Alarie)
Jonathan Bernier rediscovers his golden smile
Laval goaltender proud of world championship medal
Although he did not backstop Canada’s Championship Team in the final game that won them the gold medal, Laval’s Jonathan Bernier says he still has some wonderful memories of his experience at the 2008 World Junior Hockey Tournament held in the Czech Republic at the turn of the year.
Team Canada took the gold medal with a thrilling 3-2 overtime win over Sweden, making amends for a 4-3 loss to the Swedes in round-robin play. In the loss, Canada played its worst game in a long time. "If we had to lose, this was the time to do it. We were a little too confident. Unfortunately, the defeat came at great personal cost for me," Bernier confided.
The championship game was thrown into extra-time when Sweden tied the score with a very late third-period goal. Canada had led 2-0.
Substantial contribution
“I didn’t experience this gold medal with great emotion since I was sitting on the bench, but I feel I contributed to achieving it with my play in earlier games,” Bernier told Courrier Laval, adding that it was very important to bring the gold medal home to Canada.
The conquest of the world juniors was Canada’s fourth in the last four years, matching the performance of earlier teams which also racked up four consecutive championships.
No stranger to championships and medals at all levels of competition, Bernier, who started the season in nets for the Los Angeles Kings of the National Hockey League, and is presently on the roster of Lewiston of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, now adds another golden accomplishment to his many on-ice exploits.
Photo:Bern
(Photo: Martin Alarie)
Météo: Laval, 22 mai 2008 / 12°C
/ Faible averse de pluie
/ Vents: 9 Km/h / Humidité relative: 67 % 
Steven Guilbeault - 
