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Canmore's Jacob Bernard-Docker wins gold at IIHF Worlds

"I saw it coming as soon as they had that two-on-one."

LATVIA – Add another international gold medal to Jacob Bernard-Docker's resumé.

After an ugly 0-3 start, the Canmore defenceman and Team Canada found their stride to defeat Finland 3-2 in Sunday's (June 6) gold medal matchup at the 2021 Men's World Hockey Championship in Riga, Latvia.

"I think it's just such an honour to be part of this group," said Bernard-Docker to TSN's Lindsay Hamilton after winning gold. "Obviously not the start we wanted, but we came together as a group and we're in a hotel locked in there together and I think we bonded; played a lot of hours of cards, so just an unreal experience."

Tied two all in overtime, two of Bernard-Docker's Ottawa Senators teammates in Connor Brown and Nick Paul connected in the game-winner on a two-on-one.

"Paulie and Brownie are both guys I look up to everyday, for them to connect on the winning goal, I mean, I saw it coming as soon as they had that two-on-one so they got an unreal connection. So like I said, just a pleasure to be part of the group," said Bernard-Docker.

In 10 games, Bernard-Docker, the 20-year-old future of the Sens blueline, was held pointless.

Canada is the first team to start 0-3 and win the men's hockey championship.

Germany helped Canada clinch its spot in the quarterfinal playoffs by defeating Latvia 2-1 in regulation. The Canucks teetered on an early exit from the tournament for the first time in the nation's history after being edged 3-2 by Finland in a shootout in the final game of the prelim round.

Canada would go on to face Russia, the top team in group A in the quarterfinals, winning 2-1 in overtime. Up next, Canada faced the United States, the top team in Group B, winning 4-2.

The U.S. won bronze.

For Bernard-Docker, Canada's 2021 gold medal victory is the second time he's stood at the top of the podium. In 2020, the young defenceman won gold at the world juniors, when Canada defeated Russia in a 4-3 comeback.

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