Jiricek Scores Goal, Adds Assist in 7-0 Win for Czech Republic

Edmonton — Spokane Chiefs prospect defenseman David Jiricek scored his first goal of the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship and added an assist as the Czech Republic punched their ticket to the quarterfinals with a 7-0 win over Austria on Thursday afternoon in Edmonton. The Chiefs selected Jiricek in the 2020 CHL Import Draft.

A right-shooting rearguard from Klatovy, Czech Republic, Jiricek picked up his first assist of the tournament on a goal from Kelowna Rocket Pavel Novak at 1:39 on the third period. He upped the ante with a goal of his own at 16:45 of the period, walking the blueline before snapping one through traffic to make it 6-0.

???????????? David Jiricek picks up a bouncing puck and puts @narodnitym up 6-0 with just over 3min to go. #WorldJuniorspic.twitter.com/dAIGKxNzTI

— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) December 31, 2020

Goalie Lukas Parik, who started the previous two games for the Czechs including their dramatic 2-0 win over Russia, sat comfortably in the backup role against the Austrians as Nick Malik posted the shutout. The Czechs outshot Austria 61-15 in a convincing performance, including 46-9 over the final two frames.

The Czech Republic finished fourth in the highly competitive Group B and will now advance to the quarterfinals, which will take place on January 2.