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( MENAFN - Newsfile Corp) Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 17, 2024) - CubicFarm® Systems Corp. (TSXV: CUB) ("CubicFarm" or the "Company") , a local chain agricultural technology company, announces that, further to its previous press release of October 17, 2024, the Company is pleased to announce that is has filed its third quarter financial and operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, and the related management's discussion and analysis for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and related filings (collectively, the " Q3 Filings "). The Q3 Filings can be accessed under the Company's profile at and will be available on the same day on CubicFarm's website at . Third Quarter Operational Highlights "I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our shareholders for their continued patience and trust in the Company as we worked diligently throughout the third quarter to prepare and complete the 2023 audited financial statements, which were filed on October 2, 2024, shortly after the close of the third quarter. We also successfully filed the First and Second Quarter 2024 financial statements on October 17 and October 29, 2024, respectively," said Michael Kyne, CFO of CubicFarm. "The filing of the Third Quarter today fulfills the Company's filing obligations as required by the British Columbia Securities Commission," added Mr. Kyne. As mentioned in our Second Quarter update, the Company remains focused on implementing further cost reductions while continuing to invest in our Feed as a Service (FaaS) initiatives. We look forward to sharing additional updates with our shareholders in the coming weeks. The British Columbia Securities Commission (the " BCSC ") as the principal regulator of the Company issued a failure-to-file cease trade order (the " FFCTO ") against the Company on July 15, 2024, under Multilateral Instrument 11-103 - Failure-To-File Cease Trade Orders In Multiple Jurisdictions, prohibiting the trading in or the purchasing of any securities of the Company by any person or company in Canada, including trades in the Company's common shares made through the TSX Venture Exchange, except in accordance with the following conditions for so long as the FFCTO order remains in effect: a beneficial securityholder of the Company who is not, and was not at the date of the FFCTO an insider or control person of the Company, may sell securities of the Company acquired before the date of July 15, 2024 if both of the following apply: (a) the sale is made through a "foreign organized regulated market", as defined in section 1.1 of the Universal Market Integrity Rules of the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization; and (b) the sale is made through an investment dealer registered in a jurisdiction of Canada in accordance with applicable securities legislation. A copy of the FFCTO has been posted to the BCSC website. Following the filing of the Q2 documents, the Company submitted a revocation application to lift the FFCTO to the BCSC and a reinstatement application to the TSX Venture Exchange (the " TSXV "). On November 8, 2024, the BCSC issued a comment letter in respect of the application, requesting, among other things, additional disclosures and supporting information related to the 2023 Audited Financial Statements, which will necessitate an amended refiling. On November 18, the TSXV has issued a response letter with follow up questions. The Company has replied to the BCSC's requests, as well as that of the TSX Venture Exchange, and is currently awaiting responses from both parties. The Company will provide further updates as they become available. About HydroGreen HydroGreen's Automated Vertical PasturesTM technology utilizes a unique process to sprout grains, such as barley and wheat, in a controlled environment with minimal use of land, labour and water. HydroGreen's fully automated indoor growing technology performs all growing functions including seeding, watering, lighting, harvesting, and re-seeding-all with the push of a button-to deliver nutritious fresh forage for livestock without the typical investment in fertilizer, chemicals, fuel, field equipment, and transportation. Automated Vertical PasturesTM not only provide superior nutritious feed to benefit the animal but also enable significant environmental benefits to the farm. About CubicFarm CubicFarm is a local chain agricultural technology company developing and deploying technology to feed a changing world. Its proprietary ag-tech solutions enable growers to produce high quality, predictable produce and fresh livestock feed with HydroGreen Nutrition Technology, a division of CubicFarm Systems Corp. The CubicFarmTM system contains patented technology for growing leafy greens and other crops onsite, indoors, all year round. CubicFarm provides an efficient, localized food supply solution that benefits our people, planet, and economy. For more information, please visit . Contact ... for media or ... for investor inquiries. Forward looking and other cautionary statements Certain statements in this release constitute "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including, without limitation, statements with respect to: statements regarding the revocation of the FFCTO and the TSXV reinstatement application, the sales agreement for the sale of two DGS machines, potential growth, and strong and future prospects and demand for our technology and solutions. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors and assumptions which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of CubicFarm Systems Corp., or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information including, without limitation, other factors disclosed under "Risk Factors" in the Company's annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2022, and those risks described in other documents incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference in the prospectus. Such statements can be identified by the use of words such as "intend", "expect", "believe", "plan", "anticipate", "estimate", "scheduled", "forecast", "predict", and other similar terminology, or state that certain actions, events, or results "may", "can", "could", "would", "might", or "will" be taken, occur, or be achieved. These statements reflect the Company's current expectations regarding future events, performance, and results and speak only as of the date of this news release. Consequently, there can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Except as required by securities disclosure laws and regulations applicable to the Company, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if the Company's expectations regarding future events, performance, or results change. These statements reflect the Company's current expectations regarding future events, performance, and results and speak only as of the date of this news release. Consequently, there can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Except as required by securities disclosure laws and regulations applicable to the Company, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if the Company's expectations regarding future events, performance, or results change. To view the source version of this press release, please visit SOURCE: CubicFarm Systems Corp. MENAFN17122024004218003983ID1109004683 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
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Caracas, December 5, 2024 ( ) — Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez is in China on an official visit to “review and strengthen” the cooperation map established last year when the countries elevated their relationship to an Upon her arrival in Beijing on Wednesday, Rodríguez stated that the allies nations will revise cooperation agreements in “multiple strategic areas,” including politics, energy, economy, finance and technology. “We will strengthen our framework for cooperation as well as ties of complementarity and mutual development in different areas to continue solidifying a historical relationship and deep friendship that reached in 2024,” Rodríguez on social media. Rodríguez went on to add that China and Venezuela have a “shared vision” regarding a new multipolar world “where the sovereignty and self-determination of the peoples of the Global South are respected.” She remarked that the BRICS organization would play a key role in advancing multipolarity. On Thursday, the Venezuelan vice president met with her Chinese counterpart Han Zheng, with both officials reportedly committing to achieve “greater progress” in bilateral relations. According to the , Han said China is eager to fully implement the “all-weather strategic partnership” reached last year as well as “strengthen practical cooperation.” For her part, Rodríguez reiterated Venezuela’s respect for the one-China principle and emphasized the need to strengthen multilateral coordination to “oppose unilateral illegal sanctions, safeguard national security and development, and international fairness and justice.” In recent years, Venezuela and China have deepened their strategic political and economic ties as both governments aim to counteract Western hegemony and unilateral coercive measures. Since 2017, the Caribbean nation has faced severe hardships caused by the US-led economic blockade which has particularly targeted the crucial . In September 2023, Presidents Nicolás Maduro and Xi Jinping the countries’ relations to an “all-weather strategic partnership” and signed 31 agreements to boost collaboration in areas such as oil, scientific development, healthcare, and space exploration. The new level of bilateral partnership was considered historic with Venezuela being the first Latin American country to enter the “all-weather” category reserved by Beijing for its closest allies. The upgrade reflects China’s growing role as Venezuela’s primary trading partner in Asia, particularly in crude oil purchases. On the eve of her trip to China, Vice President Rodríguez the country’s 2025 budget proposal to the National Assembly (AN), estimated at USD $22.7 billion. The figure represents an increase of nearly 11 percent from this year’s $20.5 billion budget and nearly doubles the $11.6 billion allocated in 2023. It still stands at around a fifth of the government’s $118 billion budget for 2015. Rodríguez attributed the recent sustained increase to “consistent ” since 2021, citing an 8.5 percent GDP growth in the first three quarters of 2024 as measured by Venezuela’s Central Bank. The Caribbean nation is set for a fourth consecutive year of economic improvement, though GDP remains below 30 percent of its high mark in 2014. “This budget reflects the victorious resilience of the Venezuelan economy amid adversity and economic suffocation that have targeted our workers and production processes,” she told lawmakers on Tuesday. “In these challenging conditions, Venezuela is now one of the fastest-growing countries in Latin America.” The vice president detailed that 77.6 percent of next year’s budget will be dedicated to social investment, focusing on education, healthcare, security, science and technology, public infrastructure, and housing. The spending plan incorporates input gathered from thousands of popular assemblies held across the country. Rodríguez also highlighted that the budget includes a special fund for chosen and managed directly by the Venezuelan people through communal circuits, as well as an additional allocation for the Essequibo region. According to , tax revenues are expected to contribute $5.25 billion to the budget, financing 28 percent of total spending. Venezuelan authorities have praised tax collection, which has more than doubled year-on-year in 2024. In contrast, Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA will cover 53 percent of expenditures, amounting to $10.1 billion, down from an estimated $11.9 billion this year. The remainder of the country’s annual financing will come from mining, loans, and debt issuances. On Thursday, Parliament President Jorge Rodríguez that the 2025 budget proposal had been approved by the legislature and sent to the Maduro government for its promulgation.
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By JILL COLVIN NEW YORK (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump wants to turn the lights out on daylight saving time. In a post on his social media site Friday, Trump said his party would try to end the practice when he returns to office. “The Republican Party will use its best efforts to eliminate Daylight Saving Time, which has a small but strong constituency, but shouldn’t! Daylight Saving Time is inconvenient, and very costly to our Nation,” he wrote. Setting clocks forward one hour in the spring and back an hour in the fall is intended to maximize daylight during summer months, but has long been subject to scrutiny. Daylight saving time was first adopted as a wartime measure in 1942. Lawmakers have occasionally proposed getting rid of the time change altogether. The most prominent recent attempt, a now-stalled bipartisan bill named the Sunshine Protection Act , had proposed making daylight saving time permanent. The measure was sponsored by Florida Sen. Marco Rubio , whom Trump has tapped to helm the State Department. Related Articles National Politics | Ruling by a conservative Supreme Court could help blue states resist Trump policies National Politics | A nonprofit leader, a social worker: Here are the stories of the people on Biden’s clemency list National Politics | Nancy Pelosi hospitalized after she ‘sustained an injury’ on official trip to Luxembourg National Politics | Veteran Daniel Penny, acquitted in NYC subway chokehold, will join Trump’s suite at football game National Politics | About 3 in 10 are highly confident in Trump on Cabinet, spending or military oversight: AP-NORC poll “Changing the clock twice a year is outdated and unnecessary,” Republican Sen. Rick Scott of Florida said as the Senate voted in favor of the measure. Health experts have said that lawmakers have it backward and that standard time should be made permanent. Some health groups , including the American Medical Association and American Academy of Sleep Medicine, have said that it’s time to do away with time switches and that sticking with standard time aligns better with the sun — and human biology. Most countries do not observe daylight saving time. For those that do, the date that clocks are changed varies, creating a complicated tapestry of changing time differences. Arizona and Hawaii don’t change their clocks at all.
Vvolt e-bikes with free extra batteries $1,100 off, Updated EcoFlow Christmas sale, Low prices from Jackery and Goal Zero, moreHyperconnected employees experiencing ‘dark side’ of digital workA powerful earthquake measuring 7.0 magnitude struck 63 kilometers west-northwest of Petrolia, California, on Thursday, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). A tsunami warning was issued for coastal regions in Oregon and California, extending from Douglas/Lane Line, Oregon, to Davenport, California, as a result of the incident. New Tsunami Maps Reveal Greater RisksFor the first time since 2009, California state geologists have revised tsunami danger maps, showing more serious possible effects. The maps, which highlight areas at higher risk of inundation, were created by the California Geological Survey (CGS) using data from the 2011 Japanese tsunami and advanced technology, the Independent said. The emphasis on worst-case situations was underlined by Adrienne Bechelli, deputy director of the San Francisco Department of Emergency Management. A tsunami that reaches San Francisco in merely five hours might be caused by an earthquake with a magnitude of 9.3 off the coast of Alaska. Bay Area Faces Increased VulnerabilityAccording to the revised maps, tsunami surges may reach downtown San Francisco further than originally thought. Water might extend as far inland as Fremont Street to places like the Financial District and North Beach. Flooding continues to be a major problem for historic attractions including Fisherman's Wharf, the Embarcadero, and the Ferry Building. Similar risks exist for Oakland across the Bay, where waves might flood Lake Merritt, West Oakland, and the Oakland Container Terminal. The anticipated flood zone also includes the area's international airport. Lessons from Past TsunamisSince 1800, there have been over 150 tsunamis in California. Some were devastating, while the majority had very modest effects. The most damaging was on March 28, 1964, when an earthquake in Alaska with a magnitude of 9.2 pushed waves into Crescent City, California, that were 21 feet high. A large portion of the town's business area was destroyed, and twelve people lost their lives. Despite being far away, the 2011 Japanese tsunami severely damaged Santa Cruz Harbor and inflicted around $100 million in damages along California's coast. These incidents have shown how susceptible the state is to strong tsunamis, the Independent's report noted. Emergency Preparedness on High AlertOfficials are now re-evaluating tsunami evacuation routes across the Bay Area. Existing routes, marked by signs, may require updates to reflect the latest hazard assessments. Rick Wilson, head of the CGS Tsunami Program, advised swift action during such events. “If you feel strong shaking or receive an evacuation notice, move inland or to higher ground immediately,” Wilson stated, as per the Independent. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from US News, World and around the world.
Santa Clara Vice Mayor Anthony Becker found guilty of leaking 49ers report, perjuryCox Enterprises Nearing One-Third of its Ambitious Goal to Empower 34 Million People to Live More Prosperous Lives by 2034CORK, Ireland , Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The board of directors of Johnson Controls International plc (NYSE: JCI), the global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, has approved a regular quarterly dividend of $0.37 per share of common stock, payable on Jan. 17, 2025 , to shareholders of record at the close of business on Dec. 23, 2024 . Johnson Controls has paid a consecutive dividend since 1887. About Johnson Controls At Johnson Controls (NYSE:JCI), we transform the environments where people live, work, learn and play. As the global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, our mission is to reimagine the performance of buildings to serve people, places and the planet. Building on a proud history of nearly 140 years of innovation, we deliver the blueprint of the future for industries such as healthcare, schools, data centers, airports, stadiums, manufacturing and beyond through OpenBlue, our comprehensive digital offering. Today, with a global team of experts, Johnson Controls offers the world`s largest portfolio of building technology and software as well as service solutions from some of the most trusted names in the industry. Visit www.johnsoncontrols.com for more information and follow @Johnson Controls on social platforms. INVESTOR CONTACT: Jim Lucas Direct: +1 414.340.1752 Email: jim.lucas@jci.com MEDIA CONTACT: Danielle Canzanella Direct: +1 203.499.8297 Email: danielle.canzanella@jci.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/johnson-controls-announces-quarterly-dividend-302324312.html SOURCE Johnson Controls International plc
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With Akal Takht’s on Friday accepting Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader and former deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal’s atonement, the party has shifted its focus on its next political challenge — the civic body polls scheduled for December 21. The atonement may have ended nearly a decade-long chapter of upheaval for the Badals as they were blamed for the 2015 sacrilege incidents during the SAD government with former ally Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Since then the party has been on a downward spiral and has seen his legislator strength in the state assembly reduced to just three. The biggest task for the Akali leadership will be to find a way to bounce back and gain the confidence of its cadre and core panthic voters. It will be interesting to see which party leaders will be part of the campaign for SAD, which has already announced its participation in the civic body polls, after opting out of recently concluded bypolls on four assembly seats. A senior SAD leader said there is still a lot of ambiguity as to way ahead but it’s certain that the party will put its best foot forward in the civic body polls. “Whatever the results may be, our party is ready out for the electoral battle,” said a SAD leader on the condition of anonymity, adding that these polls might not be the barometer to judge Akali Dal’s performance as the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government is using unfair means to win the elections. Harcharan Bains, the principal adviser to SAD, said: “He (Sukhbir Badal) has undergone punishment by owning all the mistakes. Now he is not undergoing atonement. He performed sewa with all humility and it was visible to everyone. It will certainly have an impact on the people,” Bains said. Bains added that this (Sukhbir’s atonement) will instil more confidence among the cadres. “Earlier the cadre was defensive but now (after atonement) they found their voice,” Bains added, saying that it is difficult to comment on how soon things will start to change for the party at the ground level. Gurpartap Singh Wadala, who remained convener of the Akal Dal Sudhar Lehar (reforms movement), said there needs to be clarity on political punishment given by the Akal Takht which had asked the SAD working committee to accept the resignations of all the leaders including the president Sukhbir Singh Badal. “The party’s reforms and re-organisation should begin with a membership drive and making delegates elect the president,” Wadala said adding that Takht’s edict should be implemented in true spirit. On Akal Takht’s directive, rebels on December 9, announced the dismantling of their reforms movement. The Takht on December 2 had also constituted a seven-member committee led by SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami to facilitate reforms however the party has shown reluctance to accept Sukhbir’s resignation and initiate the reforms as they apprehend that the religious body (Akal Takht) directed reforms may lead to de-recognition of the party for losing secular credentials. SAD has already conveyed their fear of de-recognition to the Akal Takht jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh through Dhami, who reportedly has asked for copies of the relevant law to ponder over the situation. Patch-up talks on Referring to a meeting held between the rebel and SAD leaders on November 30, a party leader revealed that talks for a patch-up with rebels are also going on. The meeting was attended by the party’s working president Balwinder Singh Bhundar and leader Bikram Singh Majithia for SAD, while the rebel group was represented by Sikandar Singh Maluka and Prem Singh Chandumajra. “It has been decided that both the groups will not level allegations against each other so that in future a patch up becomes impossible. Another round of meetings will be held as the atonement is over,” said a leader adding that during two weeks both sides have adhered to the decision.LOS ANGELES, Nov. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Law Practice AI is at the forefront of a groundbreaking revolution in legal case management, reshaping how law firms handle complex tasks by leveraging the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI). With its innovative platform, Law Practice AI automates labor-intensive processes, empowering legal professionals to focus on strategy, analysis, and delivering superior client service. 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NEW YORK — Will Smith is setting the record straight about his relationship with disgraced rap mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs — or lack thereof. On Thursday, the Fresh Prince took the stage at The Observatory North Park in San Diego. During the show’s break, Smith took a moment to address the viral memes social media trolls have made of him and Diddy. “The world we’re in right now is really hard for y’all to discern what’s real and what’s true,” Smith is seen saying in video obtained by TMZ . “I haven’t addressed any of this publicly, but I just wanted to say this very clearly: I don’t have s— to do with Puffy, so y’all can stop all the memes.” He continued, “You can stop all that bulls—. I ain’t been nowhere near those damn Freak-Offs. I do enough of my own s—, don’t be putting other people’s bulls—. I ain’t been anywhere near that man [or] did none of that stupid s—, so whenever you guys hear that, it’s a damn lie.” The Grammy winner then joked that he doesn’t “even like baby oil,” referencing the hundreds of baby oil bottles the feds allegedly found in Diddy’s home. Smith and Diddy do know each other and have been photographed together at events throughout the years, but Smith insists those public events were the extent of his interactions with the “Bad Boy Records” owner. Diddy is currently behind bars at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. After being denied bail three times , he will most likely remain locked up until his trail begins in May. ©2024 New York Daily News. Visit nydailynews.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Brady Tkachuk remembers skipping school to watch his dad play in the 2006 Olympics. Now it’s his turn — finally — to play international hockey against the best players in the world. The Ottawa Senators captain has been named to the United States’s roster for the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament. He’s one of 20 players on Canadian NHL teams set to take part in February’s battle between Canada, the U.S., Finland and Sweden. “You grow up and it’s Stanley Cup and winning a gold medal. Those are the two goals,” Tkachuk said Thursday. “I think I’ve dreamt of an event like this since I was a little kid. I know it’s still a long way away, but can’t help just be super excited about it.” The rosters unveiled Wednesday include the NHL’s brightest lights, from Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid and Toronto Maple Leafs sniper Auston Matthews to Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck and Vancouver Canucks blueliner Quinn Hughes. Many clubs are sending players to different international squads, including the Sens, who’ll see Tkachuk play for the U.S. while goalie Linus Ullmark takes the crease for Sweden. Ullmark was quick to answer when asked whether he planned to trash talk his NHL teammate. “Buddy, he’ll sucker punch me out of the blue if I do that,” he said with a grin. “No, no. I’m not going to do that. ... But there might be a wink here and there for certain players if I have the opportunity to play.” The 4 Nations tournament — set to take place in Montreal and Boston — is the closest NHLers have come to playing best-on-best international hockey since the 2016 World Cup. “I think it’s going to be really exciting for the players, of course, but the fans,” said Matthews. “It’s been a while since we’ve seen kind of best-on-best like this. It’s a pretty good precursor for the Olympics the following year. I think everybody’s really excited. It’ll be fun.” Now that the rosters have been announced, speculation has turned to details such as which players will skate together and what each country’s power play will look like. “We were joking around, like, if you’re a coach sitting in the dressing room, looking at the whiteboard, picking out lines and power plays and combinations and all that, there are so many great options,” said Jets defenceman Josh Morrissey, who’s on Team Canada. “To get that opportunity, it’s definitely something I don’t take lightly.” The tournament will replace the 2025 NHL all-star game, but Oilers defenceman Mattias Ekholm believes hockey fans will still get a chance to see the sport’s very best. “I think every team that’s in the tournament is pretty much an all-star roster,” said Ekholm, who’s been named to Sweden’s team. “You can look at all the rosters and think whatever you think. But, in my opinion, it’s going to come down to whoever can get it together the quickest and to the highest level in that short period of time. I mean, you lose the first game and you’re pretty much out of it, almost.” Ekholm will be joined on Sweden’s squad by regional rival Rasmus Andersson. The Calgary Flames defenceman will partake in international hockey for the first time since the U-18 World Championships in 2014. From playoffs to parenthood, a variety of factors have barred Andersson from playing in a tre kronor jersey over the past decade. “I’ve never been able to play (at the senior level) and I’ve always loved playing for my country. It’s something I never take for granted,” he said. “It’s the first time in — what — eight years that it’s best-on-best. ... I’m super excited about it.” Winger Patrik Laine just returned to the Canadiens’ lineup on Tuesday, but said he had a feeling he was in the running to make Finland’s team. “It’s always really cool to put on that jersey. It’s always a privilege to be representing our country,” he said. “And obviously with these best-on-best events, the World Cup for us didn’t go too well last time. So we’ll try to get a little redemption this time. I feel like we’ve got a really good team.” Finland tends to be underrated heading into international hockey play, said Canucks goalie Kevin Lankinen. “We’re just a small country from the north there. It’s pretty unique that we’ve produced so many good players,” he said. “And just being part of (4 Nations), I think we want to go there with the winning mindset and prove that we’re the top country in the world.” Being tapped for the tournament had some NHLers reminiscing about their favourite memories of watching their country play Thursday. Canucks centre Elias Pettersson can still vividly recall the gold-medal game where Sweden bested Finland at the 2006 Olympics in Turin. “I was so fired up watching (Henrik) Lundqvist, I was goalie the next practise,” he said. “It brings back good memories and now to be part of this, it’s very cool.” — With files from Donna Spencer in Calgary. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 5, 2024. Gemma Karstens-Smith, The Canadian Press