Second medal for Czechia, U20 beat USA to get bronze

The bronze-medal game started horribly for the Czechs as they conceded just 34 seconds in through Anthony Migliozzi's goal. Although Tomáš Krejčí equalized six minutes later, Christian Wright soon answered and put the USA in the lead once again. After that, however, it was a Czech masterpiece. The hosts scored four unanswered goals in the next half-hour, gaining what seemed like a comfortable win. Similar to yesterday's semi-final game against Slovakia, though, the Czechs let their opponents get back in touch, including Christian Wright's second tally with the goalie pulled to set the score to 5-4. This time, however, Czechia held the lead, winning the bronze medals.

Svijanska Arena 1

4-6

(2:2, 0:1, 2:3)

USA U20 - Czechia U20

Penalties

4:5

PPG

1:2

SHG

0:1

Shots on goal

39:22

Goals and assists

1. Migliozzi (Fetzer), 10. Wright (Phillips), 42. Gray, 45. Wright (Henry) – 7. Krejčí (Macek), 14. Taufer (Tomšík), 20. Lhota (Kovařík, Taufer), 35. Kovařík (Bláha), 41. Malý (Bláha, Hálek), 45. Dostál

Referees

Michael Vitello, Matthew Wass

Official game sheet

USA U20

Mangini – Kosylo, Downing, Walsh, Wright, Migale (A), Rose, Gray – Henry, Hofstrom, Migiozzi, Migale, Laverde, McCormick, Rudolph, Bahnak, Matus, Bruno, Rennebeck (C), Fetzer, Phillips, Gallen, Wilbur.

Czechia U20

Křemenák – Bečka (C), Kovařík, Krejčí, Matoušek, Pavlík, Dostál, Korbel (A), Hálek – Černý, Bláha (A), Wróbel, Hroch, Macek, Šmíd, Taufer, Malý, Tomšík, Kábrt, Jelen, Lhota, Chovanec, Vizváry.

COACHES´ REACTIONS

Karel Manhart (CZE): ¨We are extremely happy. After the semifinals, which we choked, it was hard to wake up in the morning. We had to motivate boys before the game, because they were pretty disappointed knowing finals were just a few seconds from them. But even this medal is priceless. The competition here is extremely fierce this game being no exception. Our boys put up bigger fight than yesterday and it showed up.¨

William Brasko (USA): ¨We were losing 5-2, then netted two, made it one goal game, pulled goalie and they scored an empty netter. It is a heartbreaking end. I am proud of this team and their effort all tournament long. These guys never give up as they showed in this game. Sadly, it wasn´t enough. It is tough to come back home with nothing.¨