Photo: iihf.com
(MINNEAPOLIS, from our reporter) After two games in which she scored a total of 12 goals, the 20-year-old switched to a more economical mode. In the important duel of Group B, MSJ still led 1:0 20 seconds before the end, but the Finns equalized and sent the duel to overtime. Adam Jiříček decided it in 63:39 with the luxurious “Hertlovka”.
If you enjoyed the first two matches of the Czech team at this year’s MSJ in Minnesota, this one may have paid for the disappointment for a long time. At the outset, let’s say that whoever didn’t go to sleep did well.
The national team opened the scoring in the 2nd minute. From the second wave, Matěj Kubiesa drove into the circle, where he was found by Tomáš Galvas’ backhand, Kubiesa then swung the goalie Rimpinen with his typical sharp shot – 1:0.
But from that moment there was not much to see. The Czechs were better, but they did not fully carry over the productivity from the previous matches. That’s also why the Finns, who had previously beaten the Danes and Latvians without any problems, could sink under the boiler.
The third period was under their direction. Michal Oršulák made a great catch, but let’s admit that the goal in the Czech goal was a bit of a stretch. It finally fell at 19:40, when Leo Tuuva presented the puck to Emil Hemmin from behind the goal, who dispelled Oršulák’s magic from the first – 1:1.
A big blow for the Czech 20-year-old. But Patrik Augusta’s team showed great mental strength. And that is perhaps more valuable than “just” a 1:0 win. In the subsequent extra time, both sides created chances, both sides could decide.
The key event took place in the 64th minute. Petr Sikora noticed on the blue line that Adam Jiříček was driving in front of the goal area, and he found him with a brilliant pass. And what the Czech defender performed will definitely rank among the most beautiful moments of the tournament. He put the puck between his legs and with a “hertlovka” he put the puck between the concretes of Rimpinen.
The Czech team has its second win in the tournament, with a total of five points. And if they beat the Latvians by three points, they are certain at worst to finish second in Group B and stay in Minneapolis for the quarterfinals.
FINLAND – CZECH REPUBLIC 1:2 after extra time (0:1, 0:0, 1:0 – 0:1)
Goals and saves: 60. Hemming (Tuuva, Ruohonen), 64. Jiříček (Sikora, Čihař) – 2. Kubiesa (Galvas, Čihař)
Referee: Murray, Verbeek – Pye (Vishichni, Canada) Ankersticks.
Exclusion: 5:5.
Use: 0:1.
Shots on goal: 24:26.
Spectators: 3 235.
Best players: Petteri Rimpinen – Petr Sikora.
Finland: Rimpinen – Kiviharju, Nieminen, Väisänen, Boelius, Jokinen, Väilä, Nykyri – Vanhanen, Miettinen, Hemming – Saarelainen, Ruohonen, Koivu – Vesterinen, Kuhta, Tuuva – Westergård, Suvanto, Pikkarainen – Joki. Coach: Mikkola.
Czech Republic: Oršulák – Jiříček, Fibigr, Mrtka, Galvas, Pšenička, Man, Dravecký – Nestrašil, Sikora, Čihař – Benák, Curran, Poletín – Chludil, Hoch, Novotný – Klíma, Žemlička, Kubiesa – Titlbach. Coach: Augusta.
Tables MSJ 2026
HERE »
Another MSJ 2026 program
Sunday, December 28:
20:00 Sweden – Switzerland (group A, St. Paul)
22:30 Finland – Latvia (group B, Minneapolis)
Monday 29 December:
19:00 Germany – Sweden (Sk. A, St. Paul)
21:30 Finland – Czech Republic (sk. B, Minneapolis)
Tuesday, December 30:
0:00 Slovakia – USA (Sk. A, St. Paul)
2:30 Canada – Denmark (sk. B, Minneapolis)
20:00 Switzerland – Germany (group A, St. Paul)
22:30 Latvia – Denmark (sk. B, Minneapolis)
Wednesday 31 December:
19:00 Switzerland – Slovakia (group A, St. Paul)
21:30 Czech Republic – Latvia (group B, Minneapolis)
Thursday January 1:
0:00 USA – Sweden (Sk. A, St. Paul)
2:30 Canada – Finland (sk. B, Minneapolis)
Friday, January 2:
18:30 Retention match (Minneapolis)
20:30 1st quarter-final (St. Paul)
22:30 2nd quarter-final (Minneapolis)
Saturday, January 3:
0:00 3rd quarter-final (St. Paul)
2:30 4th quarterfinal (Minneapolis)
Sunday, January 4:
22:30 1st semi-final (St. Paul)
Monday, January 5:
2:30 2nd semi-final (St. Paul)
22:30 match for 3rd place (St. Paul)
Tuesday, January 6:
2:30 final (St. Paul)
The beginnings are given in Czech times, in Minnesota it is 7 hours less.
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