Jan. 6, 2004

UMass sophomore hockey player Stephen Werner (Chevy Chase, Md.) was a key component in the United States' stunning title in the World Junior Championships held in Finland from Dec. 26 to Jan. 4. It is the first-ever title for the United States team in the event.

Werner finished third on the team and 17th in the tournament in scoring with five points (5 g, 0 a). His five goals was second in the tournament and his two shorthanded goals were first. He also had two penalty minutes and posted a +6 ratio and wasn't on the ice when an opponent recorded an even-strength goal, one of four players to record no minuses during the 10-day event.

Werner tallied his first goal of the tournament in a 5-0 victory over Slovakia on Dec. 28. He then recorded a two-goal game, including a shorthanded game-winner in the third period, in the United States' 4-3 win over Sweden on Dec. 30. For his efforts, he was named the USA's Player of the Game. His first goal against Sweden came on a first-period power play. In a 4-1 victory over Russia on Dec. 31, Werner tallied another first-period power-play netter which gave the Stars and Stripes a 3-0 lead and his fourth goal of the tournament. He then tallied USA's first goal in its 2-1 semifinal win over Finland with a shorthanded tally in the first period. Werner's linemates were North Dakota's Zach Parise, who was named the MVP of the tournament after scoring 11 points, and Brady Murray.

The United States won the tournament with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Canada in the finals. USA trailed 3-1 heading into the third period before rallying for the title.

Next year's World Junior Championships will be held at Ralph Engelstad Arena in Grand Forks, North Dakota.