Canada's dramatic shootout win over Russia Saturday night at the world junior championship left thousands of rowdy fans at the semi-final witnessing one of the best games they'd ever seen.
And that's no small feat, considering the wild New Year's Eve contest between Team Canada and the United States that ended in a 7-4 win at Scotiabank Place.
Among the 19,322 at Saturday's game were boisterous voices, painted faces, and a sea of red and white across the arena's three levels.
"It's just amazing to be here," said Curtis Kerr, waving a Team Canada flag.
A just-married Sarnia couple, meanwhile, used the game as a honeymoon/wedding reception.
For nine-year-old Nate McDonald, his focus was centered on one position in particular.
"I just try to watch the goalie so I try and pick up some techniques," he told CTV Ottawa.
Monday's final between Canada and Sweden begins at 7:30 p.m.
The 2009 tournament set a new attendance record of 377,834 after Saturday's games, topping the previous mark of 374,353 from Vancouver in 2006
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Kristy Kirkup
