Canada’s golden hopes have once again been dashed by Czechia at the world juniors.
After being knocked out of the medal round by the Czechs in each of the last two years, Canada had its shot at revenge in Sunday’s semifinal. But Czechia prevailed, sending Canada to a 6-4 loss and the bronze medal game.
Max Curran scored the game-winning goal on a scramble in front of the Canadian net with 1:14 remaining in the third period.
The two sides spent the night going back and forth, with neither team being able to build more than a one-goal lead until the very end.
Canadian forward Tij Iginla got the scoring started on a power play in the first period, but Czechia’s Curran provided a response less than two minutes later.
Things settled in the second period after Adam Titlback put the Czechs in front just 3:44 out of the intermission.
Zayne Parekh eventually evened the score, and Canada seemed primed to carry a tie game into the third, but Adam Denak’s goal with 43 seconds remaining restored Czechia’s lead.
As was the story of the night, Cole Reschny levelled things to open the third, finding the back of the net for his first goal of the tournament 3:59 into the final period.
A solo effort by Voktech Cihar ended up being the difference, however. The Czech forward took a pass at Canada’s blue line before wheeling around the defence and beating netminder Jack Ivankovic.
After Canadian captain Porter Martone tied it again, Czechia’s late marker sealed the deal.
Canada will now head for the bronze medal game against Finland on Monday.
More to come.
