ANTOŠOVA BŘITVA: I would like the semi-finals for twenty. The Russians will be missed, the children are not responsible for the situation in Ukraine

The Czech selection features many players working overseas; especially in the WHL; but only three guys who started in the season in the domestic junior extra league, which is pitifully few and a big disappointment. I’m not the only one who discussed several times how something needs to be done with the domestic junior competition and to improve it so that we can use players from it at the World Twenty20.

We can look forward to what Canada will show. Shane Wright will want to show that he should have been the first and not the fourth pick in this year’s NHL draft, which must have been a huge disappointment for him. And then take a good look at 17-year-old Connor Bedard. The greatest talent that Canada has had in recent years and who should become the next Crosby or McDavid in the NHL in the future.

We’re starting with Canada on Tuesday night CET. If I were to look for the strengths of our team before the start of the tournament, then I see them in power plays. Not only Jiříček, but also Hamara, Kulich and Šapovaliv played great in the round of 18 and were always able to influence the given match and thereby win it. On the other hand, I don’t expect much power in a five-on-five game.

I myself am curious about who the coaches will send in goal, and I think we have excellent defensemen who could play in the NHL in the future. David Špaček surprised me at the last summer championship. He has made tremendous progress and is a comprehensive back. I also have to single out Tomáš Hamara. But we also have other guys that I’m really curious about and I’m interested in how they’ll hold up against the best opponents.

Coach Radim Rulík reported before the tournament that the team must present itself as a team, which will be a key factor. He said it absolutely right. If we want to advance to the semi-finals, we will have to beat someone from the top four (Canada, USA, Finland, Sweden), which is amazing. And the aforementioned teamwork can help a lot. We have to have a balanced team, which will show when the opponent starts to push us. Especially against strong opponents; especially in the quarter-finals; will have to withstand difficult situations in five-on-five play and then strike in power plays.

I would really like the boys to reach the semi-finals, but it’s on the verge. It will depend a lot on who comes up against us in the quarter-finals. If we were to go to the US or Finland, I’m afraid it would be very, very complicated. A final second place in the main group could be on the way, which would mean handling matches against Germany and Austria and upsetting one of the favourites. I don’t expect it against Canada at their strength, so it could go through the Swedes.

I have been wondering for a long time whether the Russians are missing from the junior championship. I don’t know if children are to blame for the current situation in Ukraine. I wonder if they shouldn’t get a chance; whether at the 18 or 20 World Championships. It won’t be a complete tournament for me without the Russians. But I believe that the championship in Canada will still attract spectators, especially if it will take place without the threat of covid. But the Russians will be missed, because in the youth categories they always brought huge reversals. They skated great and were amazing in individual activities. But they just can’t play now, so they won’t be in the tournament.