Canada experienced Groundhog Day at the World Junior Hockey Championship. Like last year, the maple leaf closed a two-goal gap to get back into the match, but the Czech Republic scored again in the last minute of play to this time win 4-3 and eliminate the host country in quarter final.
Trailing 3-1 after 40 minutes of play, Canada literally dominated its European opponent with goals from Porter Martone and Bradly Nadeau to shake up the Canadian Tire Center in Ottawa.
However, as was the case throughout the 2025 tournament, indiscipline will have sunk our representatives.
After Andrew Gibson was punished for kneeing, Adam Jecho beat goaltender Carter George with a precise shot with 40 seconds remaining in regular time to secure the victory for the Czech Republic.
Mathieu Cataford of the Océanic could have been credited with a goal in the third period, but the officials denied him due to his obvious obstruction on goaltender Michael Hrabel, while trying to deflect a pass from Ethan Gauthier in front of the net.
Tanner Howe scored Canada’s first goal. The others from Czechia come from Petr Sikora, Jakub Stancl and Eduard Sale.
Part of the Czech lineup, Pavel Simek of the Océanic will continue his journey against the United States, who eliminated Basile Sansonnens and Switzerland earlier in the day.
The other semi-final will pit Sweden against Finland.
Canada
