Everywhere you look, Canada is winning another hockey prize.

Canada won gold at the Men's World Championship, the Women's World Championship and the World Junior Championship.

In the Stanley Cup Final, the American team won as the Anaheim Ducks topped the Ottawa Senators. But the Ducks are American only by geography. The Ducks had more Canadian-born players than any team in the NHL.

Canadians are bringing home the hardware for individual achievement, too. Scott Niedermayer just won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player in the NHL playoffs. Sidney Crosby led the regular season in points to claim the Art Ross Trophy, and Vincent Lecavalier earned the Rockey Richard Trophy by leading the league in goal scoring.

Twenty-five players were nominated for a year-end NHL award, and 17 of them were Canadians - including all three up for the Hart Trophy as league MVP; Crosby, Martin Brodeur, and Roberto Luongo.



Young Canadians are stepping up to the challenge, following Crosby's example.

Ryan Getzlaf led the Stanley Cup champion Ducks in playoff scoring. Jonathan Toews won gold at the World Juniors and the World Championship.

The Hamilton Bulldogs won the Calder Cup with Carey Price leading the way as AHL playoff MVP.

The Memorial Cup featured two American teams and two Canadian clubs. Medicine Hat and Vancouver reached the final, with the Giants prevailing thanks to a roster made up mostly of Canadian players.

The past year has seen the true north strong and free - free to capture every prize in Canada's favourite game.

There have been other great seasons for Canadian hockey.

In 2002, Canada won double hockey gold at the Olympics, with the men and women sweeping the medals. Jarome Iginla was the NHL's top scorer and point-getter. Jose Theodore took home the Hart Trophy and the Vezina Trophy, while Dany Heatley was the Rookie of the Year.

In 1952, Canada won gold at the Olympics and the World Championship. The Detroit Red Wings won the Stanley Cup with an all-Canadian team. Gordie Howe was the NHL's top goal-scorer and point-getter.

In 1948, Canada won gold at the Olympics and the World Championship. The Toronto Maple Leafs swept the Stanley Cup final with an all-Canadian lineup. Elmer Lach led the NHL in points, while Ted Lindsay had the most goals.

Which was Canada's best year in hockey? Go to www.tsn.ca/canadian_hockey/ and vote in the poll. Have your say through the Your Call feature. Then tune in to SportsCentre Tuesday night on TSN for a complete report on Canada's great year in hockey.