USA vs Czech Republic
USA – Czech Republic 4 - 5 (0-1,3-3,1-1)
This game was very important for both teams. With Czech Republic, Slovakia and USA left with chances for the final, loosing was prohibited for both teams.
The players from the Czech Republic immediately tried to take over control of the game. The Europeans were quite successful and put pressure on the US-net, but the Americans were always able to create problems in front of the Czech net. In the seventh minute Tomáš Hák opened the score for the Czech Republic assisted by Jiří Kruček on a power play.
The second period started much like the first period ended, the Czech Republic was more or less in control of the game. Until the sixth minute Ondřej Lux and Luděk Hradecký gave the Czech Republic a 3 to 0 lead. The assists were provided by Jaroslav Liška, Michal Průcha and Kruček (twice). Only a minute later, Josh Merchant on a pass from Jim Zubik could shorten the gap for the United States. Immediately after the following face off Michal Hrubý surprised Chad Howard in the US net and put the Czech Republic three up again. What for many spectators may have looked like the decision of the game was far from being it. The USA fought their way back into the game. Before the period was over Time Meza, assisted by Zubik and Zubik, assisted by Rob Roth and Eugene Mack brought the USA back into the game.
In the beginning of the third period the Czech Republic was close to control the game, but the US-defence did a good job in fighting them off. At least until the sixth minute when Lukáš Dittmann assisted by Liška put the level at 5 to 3 for the Czech Republic. The USA was still not ready to give it in and kept on fighting. Their efforts were rewarded in the twelfth minute, when Merchant assisted by Nick Carter brought them back within reach. With two minutes on the clock a Czech player had to go into the penalty box, a big chance for the North Americans to equalise. The USA pulled the goalkeeper but the Europeans cleverly killed this penalty and secured the two important points for their colors.
With this victory the Czech Republic stays in the race for the final, which will basically be a far distance duel against Slovakia. USA will most likely play for bronze on Saturday noon.
President's note
Domenic Di Gironimo
ISBHF president
JUNE 26/10 VILLACH, AUT – The last of the trio of events that combine to be the World Junior Championships was completed with splendid backdrop of the Alps.
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