Canada eliminated by Czechia in World Junior Quarterfinals
In a thrilling quarterfinal matchup at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship in Ottawa, Canada fell short for the second year in a row, losing to Czechia by a final score of 4-3.
The game began with an early goal from Czechia, but Canada quickly responded with a shorthanded goal by Tanner Howe (Calgary Hitmen) to level the score at 1-1. Czechia regained the lead with back-to-back goals, closing the first period ahead 3-1 on a marker from former Kitchener Rangers forward Eduard Sale.
Canada gained momentum in the second period when 2025 NHL Draft prospect Porter Martone (Brampton Steelheads) tipped in a shot to cut the deficit to 3-2.
In the third, Canada continued its comeback effort. Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Luca Pinelli (Ottawa 67’s) fired a shot that rebounded to Bradly Nadeau, who buried it to tie the game at three. However, a late penalty against Canada led to a Czechia power play, during which Adam Jecho (Edmonton Oil Kings) scored the game-winner with less than a minute left on the clock.
Los Angeles Kings prospect Carter George (Owen Sound Attack) made 22 saves for Canada.
This defeat marks the second consecutive year that Canada has been eliminated by Czechia in the quarterfinals and the first time in the program’s history it has exited the World Juniors at this stage in back-to-back tournaments.
Thursday’s Other WJC Scores:
Sweden 3, Latvia 2
USA 7, Switzerland 2
Finland 5, Slovakia 3
FIN – Jesse Nurmi (London Knights) 2G
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