อย่า
Foto: iihf.com
(MINNEAPOLIS) –
The Czech Republic’s junior hockey team secured a thrilling 2-1 overtime victory against Finland on Saturday, December 28th, at the World Junior Championship in Minneapolis. This win comes after a high-scoring start to the tournament, where the Czech team tallied 12 goals in their first two games. The outcome highlights the competitive nature of the championship and the importance of resilience in tournament play.
After a dominant offensive showing in their opening matches, the Czech team adopted a more conservative approach in this crucial Group B matchup. They led 1-0 for nearly the entire game, but Finland managed to tie the score with just 20 seconds remaining, forcing the game into overtime.
The Czech Republic opened the scoring early in the second minute. Matěj Kubiesa capitalized on a rebound from a Tomáš Galvas shot, swiftly firing the puck past Finnish goaltender Rimpinen to give his team a 1-0 lead.
However, the Czechs struggled to maintain the same offensive momentum they displayed in previous games. Despite creating opportunities, they were unable to extend their lead, allowing Finland – who had previously defeated Denmark and Latvia – to gain traction.
Finland pressed for an equalizer in the third period, and their efforts paid off in the 19th minute. Leo Tuuva set up Emil Hemming, who scored to tie the game at 1-1.
Despite the late setback, the Czech team demonstrated remarkable mental fortitude. This resilience proved crucial as the game headed into overtime, where both teams had chances to win.
The decisive moment came in the 64th minute. Petr Sikora spotted Adam Jiříček making a run towards the net and delivered a pinpoint pass. Jiříček then executed a stunning “Michigan” goal, deftly flicking the puck through his legs and past Rimpinen to secure the 2-1 victory.
With this win, the Czech Republic now has five points in the tournament. A victory against Latvia in their next game will guarantee them at least second place in Group B and a spot in the quarterfinals in Minneapolis.
FINLAND – CZECH REPUBLIC 1-2 after overtime (0-1, 0-0, 1-0 – 0-1)
Goals and Assists: 60. Hemming (Tuuva, Ruohonen), 64. Jiříček (Sikora, Čihař) – 2. Kubiesa (Galvas, Čihař)
Referees: Murray, Verbeek – Pye (all Canada) Ankerstjerne (Norway).
Penalties: 5:5.
Power Play: 0:1.
Shots on Goal: 24:26.
Attendance: 3,235.
Best Players: To be added later.
Finland: Rimpinen – Kiviharju, Nieminen, Väisänen, Boelius, Jokinen, Välilä, Nykyri – Vanhanen, Miettinen, Hemming – Saarelainen, Ruohonen, Koivu – Vesterinen, Kuhta, Tuuva – Westergård, Suvanto, Pikkarainen – Joki. Coach: Mikkola.
Czech Republic: Oršulák – Jiříček, Fibigr, Mrtka, Galvas, Pšenička, Man, Dravecký – Nestrašil, Sikora, Čihař – Benák, Curran, Poletín – Chludil, Hoch, Novotný – Klíma, Žemlička, Kubiesa – Titlbach. Coach: Augusta.
MSJ 2026 Standings
Upcoming MSJ 2026 Schedule
Sunday, December 29th:
8:00 PM Sweden – Switzerland (Group A, St. Paul)
10:30 PM Finland – Latvia (Group B, Minneapolis)
Monday, December 30th:
7:00 PM Germany – Sweden (Group A, St. Paul)
9:30 PM Finland – Czech Republic (Group B, Minneapolis)
Tuesday, December 31st:
12:00 AM Slovakia – USA (Group A, St. Paul)
2:30 AM Canada – Denmark (Group B, Minneapolis)
8:00 PM Switzerland – Germany (Group A, St. Paul)
10:30 PM Latvia – Denmark (Group B, Minneapolis)
Wednesday, January 1st:
7:00 PM Switzerland – Slovakia (Group A, St. Paul)
9:30 PM Czech Republic – Latvia (Group B, Minneapolis)
Thursday, January 2nd:
12:00 AM USA – Sweden (Group A, St. Paul)
2:30 AM Canada – Finland (Group B, Minneapolis)
Friday, January 3rd:
6:30 PM Relegation Game (Minneapolis)
8:30 PM Quarterfinal 1 (St. Paul)
11:00 PM Quarterfinal 2 (Minneapolis)
Saturday, January 4th:
12:00 AM Quarterfinal 3 (St. Paul)
2:30 AM Quarterfinal 4 (Minneapolis)
Sunday, January 5th:
10:30 PM Semifinal 1 (St. Paul)
Monday, January 6th:
2:30 AM Semifinal 2 (St. Paul)
10:30 PM Bronze Medal Game (St. Paul)
Tuesday, January 7th:
2:30 AM Final (St. Paul)
Start times are listed in Czech time, with Minneapolis being 7 hours behind.
