Sudden victory.
Jakub Stancl’s game-winning goal with 11 seconds left led Czechia to a 3-2 upset win over Canada this morning (Tuesday) at the 2024 World Junior Hockey Championship in Sweden.
Prince George Cougars forward Ondrej Becher notched an assist on the game-winner as the Czechs advance to the semi-final on Thursday.
Becher has five assists in as many games for his country.
Stancil and Tomas Cibulka got Czechia off to a fast start scoring twice in the first period solving Canadian goaltender Mathis Rosseau.
Canada pushed back in the second with goals from Jake Furlong and Matthew Wood.
The Canadians outshot Czechia 32-22 overall in the game.
Michael Hrabal made 30 saves in the Czech net and was named Player of the Game.
Elsewhere, the drive for a gold medal for Slovakia ended following a 4-3 overtime loss to Finland.
Cougars blueliner Viliam Kmec ended the tournament with four assists in five games for the Slovaks.
The USA advanced to the semis after a 7-2 victory over Latvia.