Five WHLers earn World Juniors Bronze as Czechia storms back against Finland

Gothenburg, Sweden – What a difference a minute can make.

Fighting back from a 5-2 deficit against Finland in the final two minutes of the World Juniors bronze medal match, Czechia’s Ondrej Becher pounced on a wobbling puck in the Finnish slot and buried the equalizer.

It was a momentous occasion for the Prince George Cougars forward, who already kickstarted the Czech comeback with a sensational shorthanded goal and assist.

But he also wasn’t content to settle for overtime.

19 seconds after leveling the game at 5-5, Tomas Hamara (Brantford Bulldogs / OHL) tipped Becher’s point shot into the net to give Czechia a late 6-5 lead.

Everett Silvertip star Dominik Rymon would add an empty netter, and Becher would cap off a five-point night with a hat trick as the Czechs erupted for four goals in 50 seconds, earning an 8-5 win and the all-important bronze medal.

Ondrej Becher poses with his bronze medal in the Czechia dressing room

It was a moment of elation for the WHL contingent that helped their country earn back-to-back medals at the tournament for the first time since Czechia won gold in 2000 and 2001.

Along with Becher and Rymon, Portland Winterhawks defenceman Marek Alscher, Kamloops Blazers defenceman Matteo Koci, and Victoria Royals centreman Robin Sapousek are bringing home the hardware.

Sapousek, the lone Czech WHLer who won silver in Halifax in 2023, had two goals and an assist before he was injured in his fourth game at this year’s tournament and was unable to suit up for the medal rounds.

Becher finished World Juniors tied for second in team scoring with three goals and seven assists in seven matches, while Rymon had two goals and five assists.