Czechia eliminates Canada in world juniors quarterfinals

Canada’s world juniors have been eliminated in the quarterfinals for the second year in a row at the hands of Czechia, losing 4-3 on Thursday night.

Canada surrendered three goals in the first period to go down 3-1 but battled back with two unanswered goals courtesy of Porter Martone and Bradly Nadeau. Czechia’s Adam Jecho scored the game-winner with less than a minute left in regulation to seal the win for his team.

Tanner Howe also scored for Canada.

The Canadians were eliminated in the quarters in last year’s tournament as well, losing that game 3-2.

It’s the first time Canada has failed to medal as the host country since 2019, when that under-18 team finished sixth in the tournament.

Canada finished third in Group A behind Finland and the United States, losing two games (to Latvia in a shootout and the U.S. on New Year’s Eve in regulation). Their two wins came against Finland and Germany.

U.S. routs Switzerland, roar into semifinals

James Hagens and Ryan Leonard scored twice as the defending champion Americans cruised into the world junior hockey championship semifinals with a 7-2 rout of Switzerland on Thursday.

Brandon Svoboda, Danny Nelson and Zeev Buium also scored for the United States.

Finland also earned a spot in the semis with a 5-3 win over Slovakia.

Jesse Nurmi powered his team to the victory with two goals and an assist, while Jesse Kiiskinen added one of each.

Earlier, David Edstrom’s second-period power-play goal stood as the winner, and Sweden held on for a 3-2 quarterfinal victory over Latvia.

Zeb Forsfjall and Anton Wahlberg also scored for Sweden, which led 3-0 early in the second period.