After a strong performance, the Czech Republic have reached the semi-finals of the World Junior Championship in the USA. Against Switzerland, the U20 national team overturned two deficits and claimed a convincing 6–2 victory, meaning the team will play for a World Championship medal for the fourth time in a row. Canada now awaits in Sunday’s semi-final.
The Czech U20 national team advanced to the semi-finals of the World Junior Championship in the USA following an impressive performance. After falling behind twice, the Czech Republic defeated Switzerland 6–2 at the 3M Arena at Mariucci.
Switzerland made the better start and took an early lead. After successfully killing off a power play, Leon Muggli capitalised on confusion in front of goal in the fourth minute. His shot from the blue line found its way through several legs and slipped under the blocker of Czech goaltender Michal Orsulak. Switzerland then controlled large parts of the opening period with disciplined defence, blocking numerous shots and allowing little speed through the neutral zone. Swiss goaltender Christian Kirsch was in outstanding form.
Czech Republic find their rhythm in the second period
The picture changed fundamentally in the second period. The Czech Republic significantly increased the pressure, firing 19 shots at Kirsch and being rewarded early. Just 53 seconds in, Tomáš Galvas equalised with a long-range shot. Switzerland regained the lead shortly afterwards when Jamiro Reber converted a power play, but from that point on the Czech team took full control.
Samuel Drančák made it 2–2 in the 11th minute, before Adam Jiříček put the Czech Republic ahead for the first time just 44 seconds later, finishing a rebound from a tight angle. Before the second intermission, Petr Sikora extended the lead after making the most of a rebound following a drive by Vojtěch Cíhař.
In the final period, the Czech Republic left nothing to chance. Jiří Klíma scored immediately after a Swiss penalty expired, and Jakub Fibigr sealed the result with a power-play goal shortly before the end. Sikora and Klíma were the standout performers, each recording one goal and two assists.
For Switzerland, the defeat marks their seventh consecutive World Junior Championship game without a win against the Czech Republic. The Swiss thus conclude a strong tournament without a medal. The Czech Republic, meanwhile, continue their run and will play for a World Championship medal for the fourth year in a row. In the semi-final on Sunday (X), they will face Canada, who defeated Slovakia 7-1 in the quarter-final.
2026 IIHF World Junior Championship
26 December 2025 to 5 January 2026 | USA
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