Canada’s Mitch Marner said his overtime goal in Wednesday’s Olympic quarter-final against Czechia was the biggest of his career.Marton Monus/Reuters
Milan, Italy – Mitch Marner’s stunning overtime goal propelled Team Canada past Czechia 4-3 in a thrilling Olympic quarterfinal matchup on Wednesday, keeping their gold medal aspirations alive. The dramatic finish came just over a minute into the extra period, securing a spot in the semifinals for the Canadians.
As Marner raced into the offensive zone, he initially looked for a pass to Macklin Celebrini, the tournament’s rising star, positioned near the boards. Although, a subtle hesitation by Czech defenseman Radim Simek created an unexpected opening.
“Just tried to see what my options were when I got over the blueline,” Marner explained after the game. Simek’s glance toward Celebrini proved pivotal, as it momentarily opened a lane to the net.
Canada narrowly avoided a quarterfinal upset as Marner accelerated through the gap, leaving three Czech players scrambling to defend.
Marner felt the adrenalin surge after his game-winner. The goal came as a relief to millions of Canadians with gold medal hopes for the men’s hockey team.AMBER SEARLS/Reuters
With defenders Andrej Kase and David Kampf – both former Toronto Maple Leafs teammates – attempting to close the gap, Marner powered toward the net. He managed to regain control of the puck on his backhand and quickly fire a shot over the shoulder of Czech goaltender Lukas Dostal.
“I saw Mack kind of on my right side, was looking to build a play to him … Then just kind of saw a hole and a gap,” Marner said, describing the decisive moment.
The shot sailed just inside the post, sending the Canadian contingent in the arena into a frenzy. Head coach Jon Cooper reacted with a mix of relief and amusement, shaking his head as if witnessing a magic trick.
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Marner called the goal the biggest of his career, a sentiment that resonated with the significance of the Olympic stage. “It’s a special one,” he added.
Czechia goaltender Lukas Dostal and defencemen Michal Kempny and Radko Gudas watched the replay of Marner’s goal in disbelief.AMBER SEARLS/Reuters
Brad Marchand lauded Marner’s playmaking ability, stating, “So silky and poised with the puck, he can make something out of nothing.” Cooper acknowledged Marner’s sometimes unconventional approach but emphasized the reward outweighs the risk.
“There’s just never a doubt in my mind about throwing that kid over the boards, as he doesn’t disappoint,” Cooper said. “Sometimes your hair falls out at times, but he never disappoints.”
Goaltender Jordan Binnington, who faced a barrage of shots throughout the game, had a clear view of the winning play. “Seeing from my angle, just watching him decide to cut through and capture that ice, get in there and rip that backhander,” Binnington said. “It was pretty special.”
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Marner was mobbed by his teammates and celebrated by the large Canadian contingent in the arena in Milan on Wednesday. Canada will face Finland in the Olympic semi-final on Friday.DARRYL DYCK/The Canadian Press
Even defenseman Devon Toews missed the live replay. He explained that the high jumbotron in Santagiulia Ice hockey Arena made it difficult to see.
The victory was made even more special for Marner, as his son was in attendance. “He’s pretty young, he probably won’t remember. He was probably sleeping on Mom,” Marner said. “But it’ll be something cool to glance back at one day with him, and just kind of show him where he was and what he was doing in this kind of moment.”
