Quarterfinal games at the U-20 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships are now under progress. The Czech Republic and Canada, the previous year’s finalists, squared off in one of the matches. The Canadians won the much-coveted gold medals in 2023.
The Czech Republic had a very strong first quarter in this game. In the seventh minute, the European side scored. The Czechs had another chance to score three minutes later, but Dominik Rymon was unable to convert the penalty kick. That being said, the Czech Republic did manage to extend their advantage with two minutes remaining in the first quarter.
Canada made a strong comeback during the second phase. The Canadians went on the attack, with Wood cutting the deficit in the fourth minute and Furlong tying the score in the 17th. Canada kept up their pressure on the Czech goal in the third period, but they were unable to hit the back of the net.
The Czechs leveled the game and began attacking as the finish of the contest drew near. There was an unexpected twist to this quarterfinal encounter. Jakub Shtantsl fired with 11 seconds left, and the ball deflected and went into the net.
With an unexpected 3-2 win, the Czech Republic exacted revenge for their defeat in the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships final the previous year. Canada does not receive any medals in 2024 after losing in the quarterfinals.
