A major penalty, five goals conceded and a crowd silenced: Canada began the World Junior Hockey Championship abruptly on Monday in Halifax, losing 5-2 to the Czech Republic.
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Canada hadn’t lost to the Czechs at the World Juniors since Dec. 28, 2013, but no team is safe from an upset at this annual classic. The maple leaf learned it the hard way by underestimating its tough rivals, who came to Scotiabank Center with a knife between their teeth.
Already trailing 2-1 following one period, the Canadian squad had a disastrous second period. Stanislav Svozil first doubled the Czech lead with a laser under Benjamin Gaudreau’s blocker. Despite a reply from the prodigy Connor Bedard, the Canadian ship then sank.
While raising the ire of the assembled fans, the officials awarded a major penalty to Zach Dean for a borderline check he inflicted on Ales Cech. Controversial decision or not, the Czechs took the opportunity to send Gaudreau to the showers by scoring twice.
David Jiricek first made fun of the Canadian defense to set the table for his teammate Jaroslav Chmelar, who made it 4 to 2. Then, Matous Mensik threaded the needle from a tight angle 33 s. later, ending the Canadian goalkeeper’s work night.
In relief, Thomas Milic did much better, repelling the 10 shots directed at him.
Canada was unable to demystify Tomas Suchanek in the third period to close the gap. He made 36 parries in the victory.
A slow start
Even though the scoresheet says otherwise, the Czechs were the first to find the back of the net. However, on the streak, Gabriel Szturc received a penalty for obstructing the goaltender, and Canada benefited from a power play.
Deflecting Olen Zellweger’s point shot, captain Shane Wright opened the scoring. The Maple Leaf thus took the lead for the only time in the game, and led for only 7 min 15 s. of game.
David Spacek tied the game thanks to an excellent throw-in from Svozil. Just over 30 seconds later, David Moravec silenced the Mooseheads home. Ironically, he himself is a member of the Halifax team in the Courteau circuit.
In addition, Bedard and Adam Fantilli both attempted “Michigan” shots in the first period, but their maneuver proved unsuccessful.
Canada will be back in action on Wednesday when they face Germany.
