CLARINGTON -- It was gold that they were after, and it was gold that they came home with.
Tyler Cuma, of Bowmanville, and Greg Nemisz, of Courtice, who are foes in the OHL, became teammates with a common cause in Russia, as they duo helped lead Canada to the gold medal at the IIHF World U18 Championships. Canada defeated the host Russians by a convincing 8-0 score in front of more than 10,000 fans at the final game of the tournament.
Cuma fired a goal, while Nemisz chipped in with an assist in the gold medal game.
“It was definitely a good experience,” said Cuma, a defenceman with the Ottawa 67’s. “To get a chance to represent your country is one of the top things you want to accomplish in your hockey career.
“To play against countries that you have watched at the World Juniors and other tournaments makes it a lot of fun and an exciting time.”
It was the second time that Cuma has represented his country, finishing fourth in the Czech Republic last year. For Nemisz, a forward with the Windsor Spitfires, the experience was a new one, but one he relished.
“It was amazing,” he gushed. “I went there not knowing what to expect, but the team came together quickly and what we accomplished is amazing.
“I was definitely in awe. Walking into the arena on the first day and seeing the dressing rooms for Russia and Finland and Sweden, I was really taken aback playing against all those countries.”
Canada had just one loss in the preliminary round, ironically coming against the host Russians 4-2. They advanced into the gold medal game by slipping past Finland 2-1 in the quarterfinals and 3-2 over Sweden in the semifinals. In the gold medal game, Canada was up 5-0 over Russia before the end of the first period.
Playing for former NHL coach Pat Quinn added to the experience for Nemisz.
“I was a Leaf fan growing up, so I knew who he was. When he called me to tell me I was on the team it was pretty special.”
Cuma already plays for someone of Quinn’s ilk in Brian Kilrea. The two are old school, and have some similarities.
“He looks big and scary, but he is a big hearted guy,” said Cuma. “He was very patient and calm. He kept everything positive and wasn’t a yeller. He was a real pleasure to be around.
“He told us there wasn’t much he could teach us, that he was there just to guide us.”
Cuma will be finishing out the semester at St. Stephen’s Secondary School, while Nemisz does the same at Courtice. The two are both working off the ice to ensure they are ready for the NHL combine at the end of the month, and then the draft in June, where both could hear their name called in the first round.