Canada's hopes for a world junior hockey championship medal were dashed once again after a heartbreaking 4-3 loss to Czechia in the quarterfinals. A late power-play goal by Adam Jecho sealed Canada's fate, marking their second consecutive early exit from the tournament.
OTTAWA — Canada was buzzing. The ice was tilted. A dramatic comeback victory felt inevitable. A team previously unable to click offensively appeared to have finally unlocked some cohesion. Then the group's other issue — penalties — bubbled to the surface one final time at the world junior hockey championship. And Hockey Canada is now left to pick up the pieces following another disastrous result. Adam Jecho scored the winner on a power play with 39.
4 seconds left in regulation as the tournament hosts fell 4-3 to Czechia in the quarterfinals Thursday. 'It sucks,' Canadian forward Calum Ritchie said.'It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Not the way we all wanted it to end.' Canada was also upset by the Czechs in the dying moments at the same stage 12 months ago at the under-20 event in Gothenburg, Sweden. The country has now failed to play for a medal at back-to-back world juniors for the first time since instituting its program of excellence in the early 1980s. 'It was a special group,' said 17-year-old forward Gavin McKenna, tears in his eyes.'Didn't have anything to show for it.' Petr Sikora, Jakub Stancl and Eduard Sale had the other goals for the Czechs. Michael Hrabal made 29 saves. 'We just wanted it more,' Jecho said.'Really proud of the group.' Tanner Howe, Porter Martone and Bradly Nadeau replied for Canada. Carter George stopped 22 shots. Brayden Yager had two assists for the Canadians, who never really found their stride until Thursday's third period. Canada entered with just 10 goals through four games and the worst shooting percentage of the 10 teams in Ottawa. Discipline issues also boiled over against the United States with 11 minor penalties and three goals against off seven American power plays on New Year's Eve. A 4-1 loss to the U.S. resigned the Canadians to third in Group A and a more difficult matchup in the quarter
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