The World Junior bronze medal game is always challenging, and it was no exception for Sweden and Czechia. They returned to Canadian Tire Centre ice on Sunday, not even 24 hours after devastating losses. They knew there was still something to fight for, but the sting of the semifinals was hard to shake. The opening minutes reflected that, as both teams struggled to find their rhythm. Yet once the entertainers settled in, it turned into a classic. Czechia outlasted Sweden for repeat Bronze 3-2 in a 14-round shootout, the longest in IIHF history.
Sweden and Czechia Trade Blows in Contested Bronze Medal Showdown:
The action finally picked up when Czechia capitalized on their first power play, courtesy of two dynamic ST Louis Blues prospects. Adam Jiříček’s crisp cross-ice feed set up Jakub Štancl for a pinpoint one-timer that beat Sweden’s Carl Lindbom (VGK) to make it 1-0.
Sweden responded with some life of their own, evening the score when Felix Unger Sörum (CAR) fired a shot that led to a flurry in front. David Edstrom (NSH) found the loose puck and jammed it past Michael Hrabal (UTAH) to tie the game at 1-1.
The pace increased slightly in the second period, but the tilt still felt like a slog. Sweden started strong, outshooting Czechia early and dominating puck possession, but neither team extracted much flow offensively.
Czechia broke through again, taking a 2-1 lead off a costly turnover by Linus Eriksson (FLA). Miroslav Holinka (TOR) pounced on the mistake, feeding Eduard Šalé (SEA), who made no mistake lifting the puck past Swedish goalie Viggo Gidlö (NYI), who replaced Lindbom between the pipes.
Sweden responded late in the middle frame, as Edstrom netted his second of the game. Unger Sörum set him up beautifully, and Edstrom slipped the puck through Hrabal’s blocker to square the score through 40 minutes.
Czechia Claims Bronze in Epic 14-Round Shootout Thriller:
The third period began with Holinka having an early chance, gliding across the slot and testing Gidlöf, but the Swedish netminder stood tall. The momentum shifted slightly towards Czechia as the frame progressed, but neither team could capitalize on their opportunities. For the second time in as many games, Sweden was headed to overtime in a medal-deciding matchup, and unfortunately, it was Deja vu for the lone undefeated boys from group play.
The 10-minute 3-on-3 overtime was a nail-biter. Both teams traded chances, with Anton Wahlberg’s (BUF) turnover giving Czechia a dangerous 2-on-1 and Axel Sandin Pellikka (DET) nearly winning it for Sweden with a slick backhand attempt. Yet the score remained 2-2, forcing a shootout to decide the bronze.
The skills competition was a marathon of nerves and skill, spanning an incredible 14 rounds. Both Gidlöf and Hrabal were sensational, denying one shooter after another. Štancl and Sandin Pellikka exchanged clutch goals early, while Šalé and Otto Stenberg (STL) kept the drama alive with perfect five-hole finishes in the 13th round.
In the decisive 14th round, Stenberg rang his shot off the post, opening the door for Šalé. With the nation’s weight on his shoulders, he made no mistake, going glove-side on Gidlöf to secure Czechia’s second consecutive bronze medal.
ITR 34: End Of The Road – Inside The Rink
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