World juniors: Czechia eliminates Canada in 4-3 win

Canada’s Disappointing Exit at World Junior Hockey Championship Quarterfinals

Canada’s hopes of a medal at the world junior hockey championship were dashed once again as they crashed out at the quarterfinal stage for the second consecutive year. The tournament hosts fell 4-3 to Czechia in a heartbreaking loss that saw Adam Jecho score the winner on a power play with less than a minute left in regulation.

The Czech team, who upset Canada in the same stage last year, had Petr Sikora, Jakub Stancl, and Eduard Sale finding the back of the net. Despite goals from Tanner Howe, Porter Martone, and Bradly Nadeau for Canada, they were unable to secure a spot in the semifinals. This marks the first time since the early 1980s that Canada will not be playing for a medal in back-to-back world juniors.

The Czechs will now face the United States in the semifinals, while Sweden is set to meet Finland for the other spot in the title game on Sunday. The Canadians struggled to find their rhythm throughout the tournament, with goalie Carter George making 22 saves in the crucial match against Czechia.

The game saw a series of ups and downs for both teams, with the Czechs taking the lead early in the first period before Canada managed to equalize. However, a late goal by Jecho sealed Canada’s fate and ended their tournament run.

Despite a valiant effort to push for an equalizer late in the game, Canada’s hopes were dashed when Nadeau was sent off for a penalty, allowing the Czechs to capitalize and secure the win.

The disappointment of the loss was palpable among the Canadian players and fans, who had high hopes for a better performance in front of the home crowd. With the tournament now over for Canada, the focus shifts to the remaining teams vying for the championship title.

In other results, Sweden, the United States, and Finland advanced to the semifinals with impressive victories, while Germany secured their spot at the 2026 world juniors with a win in the relegation game.

As the dust settles on Canada’s early exit from the tournament, questions will be raised about the team’s performance and what lies ahead for the program of excellence that has long been a source of pride for Canadian hockey fans.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on January 2, 2025.