Svozil Scores GWG as Czechia Upsets Canada in WJC Opener
December 26, 2022 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Regina Pats News Release
Halifax, N.S. - Team Czechia defeated Team Canada 5-2 on Monday night to open the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championships.
Regina Pats defenceman Stanislav Svozil, who was named captain for Czechia earlier in the day, scored what turned out to be the game-winning-goal in the second period. Pats captain Connor Bedard had a goal in the loss, his 22nd tally in 21 games while representing Canada (U18s and World Juniors combined).
Halfway through the opening period, Canadian captain Shane Wright (OHL Alumni) opened the scoring for the hosts on a tip in front of the net. The deflection was possible thanks to a wrist shot from Olen Zellweger (Everett Silvertips). Several minutes later, the Canadians had thought they extended the lead to 2-0 off a Brandt Clarke (OHL Alumni) bomb from the point, but the goal was overturned after Czechia's challenge for offside was successful.
With just over two minutes remaining in the first period, Svozil set up defence partner David Spacek in front of the net to even the score 1-1.
Beauty primary assist from Svozil, who walks down the wall and centres a pass for Spacek to tie the game.
Just 35 seconds later, Czechia took the lead after a point shot from David Moravec made its way past a heavily screened Benjamin Gaudreau (Sarnia Sting).
Things got worse for Canada to open the second period after Svozil extended his country's lead to 3-1 just 44 seconds into the middle frame.
Pats captain Connor Bedard responded for the Canadians just 45 seconds after his Regina teammate scored, as he came flying down the left wing and beat Tomas Suchanek on the glove side.
Czechia responded with two power play goals several minutes later after Canada was assessed a five-minute major for checking to the head. First, Jaroslav Chmelar made it 4-2, quickly followed by Matous Mensik, who made it 5-2 with 11:13 remaining in the second period.
Although Canada pushed back and out-shot Czechia 14-9 in the third period, they were unable to get on the board.
Goaltender Suchanek was named the player of the game for Czechia, thanks to a 36-save performance. Wright was named the player of the game for Canada.
Next up for Canada is a date with Germany on Wednesday, December 28 at 5:30 p.m. Saskatchewan time (7:30 p.m. local time).
Czechia will face Austria next tomorrow (December 27) at 5:30 p.m. Saskatchewan time (7:30 p.m. local time).
AROUND THE WORLD JUNIORS - DEC. 26
Finland 2 vs. Switzerland 3 (OT) - Avenir Centre (Moncton)
Sweden 11 vs. Austria 0 - Scotiabank Centre (Halifax)
Latvia 2 vs. USA 5 - Avenir Centre (Moncton)
Western Hockey League Stories from December 26, 2022
- Winterhawks Weekly: Back in Action for the Final Two Games of 2022 - Portland Winterhawks
- Svozil Scores GWG as Czechia Upsets Canada in WJC Opener - Regina Pats
- Tigers Prospects Well Represented at Circle K Classic - Medicine Hat Tigers
- Americans Host Silvertips in Return from Break - Tri-City Americans
- Americans Head into Christmas Break with 6-5 Loss to Royals - Tri-City Americans
- Svozil Named Captain of Czechia, Will Face Bedard and Canada Tonight - Regina Pats
- Preview: Rockets Vs. Blazers - Kelowna Rockets
- Rysavy, Baco Set for World Juniors in Halifax - Moose Jaw Warriors
- Dach and Szturc to Compete at WJC - Kelowna Rockets
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