Canada Advances to Semifinal After OT Win over Czechia

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WHL Vancouver Giants

Canada Advances to Semifinal After OT Win over Czechia

April 30, 2025 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Vancouver Giants News Release


Allen, TX - Canada is through to the semifinal at the 2025 IIHF U18 World Championship following a 3-2 overtime win over Czechia on Wednesday.

Victoria Royals defenceman Keaton Verhoeff set up Royals teammate Cole Reschny for the overtime winner to keep Canada's gold-medal defence alive.

The two Vancouver Giants representatives in the game - forward Cameron Schmidt and defenceman Ryan Lin - combined for eight shots on goal, but didn't register a point. Schmidt, who is 2025 NHL draft-eligible, also had a breakaway in overtime, but was denied by goaltender Frantisek Poletin.

Reschny scored twice in the contest, while Tri-City Americans defender Jackson Smith had the other Canada tally, meaning all three goals came from WHL players.

Assuming the United States beats Latvia in Wednesday night's quarter-final, Canada will face Slovakia in the semifinal on Friday, who they beat 9-2 in the tournament opener.

Giants prospect Tobis Tomík helped Slovakia advance to the semis earlier on Wednesday, registering a primary assist in their 3-2 quarter-final win over Germany.

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