Czechia Outlasts USA in High-Scoring Thriller

USA - Czechia 6-8

The match was action-packed, featuring numerous penalties and physical altercations, including multiple fighting penalties in the second period.

Czechia took an early 2-0 lead within the first four minutes with goals from Filip Novák and Jan Kerbler. However, the USA responded quickly, leveling the score at 2-2 with goals from Joseph Salandra and William Bent. Czechia reclaimed the lead through a power-play goal by Šimon Katolický, only for the USA to tie it again with Kalder Varga scoring late in the first period. The USA finished the first period on top 4-3 after a late goal by Nicholas Bogas.

In the second period, Czechia tied it once more with Šimon Bělohorský scoring at the 35-minute mark, but the USA struck back with a power-play goal from Noah Davidson, making it 5-4.

The third period saw Czechia take control. Vojtěch Švancar equalized just 30 seconds in, followed by a power-play goal from Lukáš Kachlíř to give Czechia a 6-5 lead. Although William Bent scored his second goal of the game to make it 6-6, Czechia pulled ahead with goals from Šimon Katolický and Ondřej Ruml, ultimately sealing an 8-6 victory.

Key players for the USA included William Bent with two goals, and Kalder Varga with one goal and three assists. For Czechia, Šimon Katolický stood out with two goals, while Petr Tomek contributed four assists. Despite outshooting Czechia 43-32, the USA couldn’t overcome the strong Czech offense and power-play efficiency.

Czechia’s goaltender František Poletín played a crucial role, stopping 28 out of 30 shots during his time in net, while Xavier Wendt for the USA made 27 saves on 32 shots. Both started the game as back-ups behind Jan Larys and Ryder Fetterolf.

Tweets by @eurohockey