Adam Benak scored with 43 seconds left in the period to give Czechia a 3-2 lead over Canada headed to the third period of their semifinal game at the World Junior Championships.
The game looked like it would head to intermission tied after Zayne Parekh and Adam Titlbach traded goals but Benak was able to take advantage of a costly turnover from Canadian defenceman Ethan MacKenzie to grab the lead after two periods.
Titlbach gave the Czechs the lead early in the second when Canada was unable to clear the zone and, off the turnover, Max Psenicka found Titlbach open in the slot, who flicked it over the shoulder of Jack Ivankovic to take the lead.
Canada struggled to create offence at even strength through two periods, as both their goals have come on the power play.
Canada had a golden opportunity to even the score midway through the second when they were awarded a two-man advantage that would last for 1:39. Parekh would make no mistake on the 5-on-3, firing a point shot that was deflected past Michal Orsulak for his tournament-leading 11th point. The goal was assisted by Montreal Canadiens prospect Michael Hage, who is now second in tournament scoring with 10 points.
Hage had two chances to extend Canada’s lead when he was awarded a penalty shot with 1:56 remaining in the frame. He missed on his initial attempt but the officials ruled that Orsulak had tripped Hage, and he was awarded another attempt. Hage tried the same move on his second shot and was successfully stonewalled by Orsulak to keep the game tied.
Tonight’s winner will take on Sweden tomorrow night in the final.
Tij Iginla broke the scoreless tie to open the game but Czechia found the equalizer under two minutes later on a goal from Maxmilian Curran, sending the teams to the dressing room tied after the first period.
The winner will move on to face Sweden in the gold medal game after their 4-3 shootout win over Finland earlier on Sunday.
Czechia has eliminated Canada in the quarter-finals in each of the past two World Junior Championships.
Canada is looking to win its first gold medal since 2023, while Czechia is trying to end a drought that began back in 2001.