Canada Advances to Semifinal After OT Win over Czechia
WHL Vancouver Giants

Canada Advances to Semifinal After OT Win over Czechia

Published on April 30, 2025 under 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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Western Hockey League Stories from April 30, 2025


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