Czech Talent Scores Goal of Tournament – VIDEO

MINNEAPOLIS – The Czech hockey players beat Finland 2:1 after extra time in the third match at the U20 World Championship in Minneapolis, USA, and claimed their second win.

At 63:39, defender Adam Jiříček made the decision, beating goalkeeper Petteri Rimpinen with a great finish with the stick between his legs. The Czechs thus improved their third place in Group B to five points, while the Finns have two more.

The Czechs took the lead in the 2nd minute, when Matěj Kubiesa used a power play. The Finns equalized 20 seconds before the end of the third period on the power play thanks to a goal by Emil Hemming.

Coach Patrik Augusta’s men will play the last duel in the basic group on Wednesday at 21:30 CET against Latvia.

ADAM JIRICEK BETWEEN THE LEGS OT WINNER

The @BulldogsOHL d-man and #stlblues prospect with one of the best overtime winners in #WorldJuniors history! 🇨🇿 pic.twitter.com/eL4dx9QXdx

— Canadian Hockey League (@CHLHockey) December 29, 2025

The Czech team also started with defender Radim Mrtko and forward Danny Chludil, who were added to the roster. Michal Oršulák stood in the goal, who caught the opening duel in the defeat against Canada (5:7) and replaced Matyáš Mařík. He started in the second duel with Denmark 7:2. Captain Petr Sikora had to use a full-face cover after being hit by the puck from Sunday’s practice.

After only 66 seconds of the game, the Czech team saw a long power play after Väisänen’s cross before the Finnish goal on Poletín. Canadian referees Murray and Verbeek, after reviewing the tackle and the video, awarded a penalty for five minutes and until the end of the match. After 46 seconds, Kubiesa took advantage of the numerical advantage, who scored from the left circle after Galvas’ pass.

In the rest of the weakening, the Finns defended themselves, and even in the weakening, Saarelainen threatened to be outnumbered. Halfway through the opening half, the escaping Čihařa was cut down by Pikkarainen, and Poletín was able to increase the ball after Curran’s pass from behind the goal. He then managed to escape in the 12th minute, but his forehand bluff was not enough. Augusto’s selection defended itself against Žemliček’s penalty. Before the first break, Pšenička had a great opportunity after Sikor’s pass, but he missed the goal.

At the beginning of the second half, Rimpinen was checked by Novotný, then Mrtko shot from the blue line. The Czech team had to defend itself when Curran was sent off, and Oršulák, after Kiviharju’s shot, managed to put the puck in front of the onrushing Ruohonen. The Finns resisted Boelius’ punishment. At the turn of the second half, Augustov’s team defended itself against Pšeniček’s penalty and could have scored in a weakened state before the break, but Poletín did not shoot the Finnish goalie in an escape after Sikor’s pass.

The Finns, who sent only seven shots on goal in the first two thirds, began to employ Oršulák more. During Novotný’s penalty, the Czech goalkeeper dealt with Miettinen’s blow. Sikora, in a good position, fell in the fight and ended up in the goal instead of the puck. In the 54th minute, Kubiesa had a safety on his stick after Poletín’s pass, but Rimpinen intervened. Oršulák dealt with Nieminen’s attempt. On the power play, Hemming equalized after Tuuva’s pass.

In the second half, the Czechs were happy after chances on both sides. After Sikor’s pass, Jiříček was left alone in front of Rimpinen and surprised him with his feint.

• Author: © List/
• VIDEO: X/Canadian Hockey League; YouTube/2026 IIHF World Juniors
• Source: ČTK, TASR