Games

5th July 2024 - Lukáš Sidor

USA U18 edge Czechia despite late drama

In an even first period between the Czech Republic and the USA, the Americans took the lead on a goal by Impagliazzo. The Czech team had chances to equalize, but Bergeron was strong in the US net. At the beginning of the second act, the American team capitalized on a power play with a goal by Stocklin — already the sixth point in the tournament. Subsequently, the Czechs got a power play of their own but failed to convert it into a goal. Quality ball hockey continued at a high pace in the third period. In the first five minutes, the Czechs created more opportunities, but Bergeron maintained a clean sheet. At the other end, Joyce was able to score and increase the American lead to 3-0. In the late minutes, the Czechs got a power-play goal from Kantor and then called a timeout. In the last minute, playing without a goalkeeper, they reduced the difference to a single goal when Kachlík scored. But there was no time left to equalize, so the United States defeated the Czech Republic 3-2
Penalties
2:1
PPG
1:1
SHG
0:0
Shots on goal
17:25

Goals and assists

6. Impagliazzo (Tussey), 18. Stocklin (Tussey, Rennebeck), 40. Joyce (Rennebeck) - 44. Kantor (Rod), 45. Kachlík (Havlík)

Referees

Tyler Dea, Michal Laczko

Official game sheet

USA U18

Bergeron - Morin, Barbosa, Warner-Senee, Reuther, Rennebeck, Manning Almeida, Zevola - Lammi, Miller, O’Connor, Joyce, DiBenedetto, Nackrelli, Impagliazzo, Nikolajski, Robb, Colfer, Tussey, Battista, Stocklin

Czechia U18

O. Koudela - Štulc, Puzder, T. Koudela, Palán, Martínek, Havlík, Pavlík, Kumpan - Kraus, Kantor, Mikšovský, Kachlík, Šlechta, Hlaváček, Šťástka, Číž, Klement, Šimůnek, Jedelský, Rod, Mikula



COACHES´ REACTIONS

Willie McKeen (USA): "We knew it would be tough. We played Czechia last year in the first game of the tournament, then we lost to them in the semis so we were ready for them this year. The kids played phenomenally, went up 3-0, Mike got a big goal there. We didn’t think we needed it but then they had the extra attacker and scored two goals in the last minute and a half. They brought a good team but we played a complete game for the first time at this tournament."

Vít Čapek (CZE): "The goals came late, but I think we have nothing to be ashamed of. At the beginning, we couldn't keep up with the running game of the Americans, who are one of the favorites for me. We have to focus on the next match because every medal is valuable from the World Championships."