‘This one hurts’: Czechia upsets Canada in historic loss

The Canadians were the favourites entering their semi-final match against Czechia this morning, but after three periods of play, it was the Czechs celebrating.

For the first time in the history of the Women’s U18 World Championship, Czechia defeated Team Canada and won a semi-final game.

Before today's match, Team Canada had only given up one goal in four games at this year’s event – the sole score coming in their 8-1 win against Czechia in the preliminary round.

Czechia came out strong against Canada today, breaking the scoreless draw 13 minutes into the first period.

The Czechs had momentum as they doubled their lead within the opening minutes of the second frame.

BC’s Chloe Primerano cut the lead in half shortly after, thanks to an assist from Gracie Graham.

Chloe Primerano cuts Czechia's lead in half on the powerplay! pic.twitter.com/H0fpTcD76z

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) January 13, 2024

Heading into the third period the Canadians were down 2-1 and struggled to find the back of the net, even though they had put up 27 shots.

Not long into the final frame, Canada’s Stryker Zablocki scored on a Morgan Jackson pass to tie the game.

STRYKER ZABLOCKI TIES IT UP FOR CANADA! #U18WomensWorlds pic.twitter.com/lWRpRBFsgp

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) January 13, 2024

But the tie would not last for long as Czechia retook the lead shortly after.

Team Canada used every last bit of their strength to even the score, eventually allowing an empty net goal and falling 4-2.

Czechia’s Aneta Senkova was a brick wall in the net, stopping 45 shots en route to the win.

"We did what we could, but it wasn’t enough – this one hurts,” said Abby Stonehouse.

“It’s not the outcome we wanted, but I’m proud of our group and how far we’ve come. I’m excited to play for a medal tomorrow.”

Czechia sings it loud and proud after eliminating Canada to move on to the Gold medal game at the #U18WomensWorlds pic.twitter.com/c062FZi01m

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) January 13, 2024

“Give credit to Czechia. They did a great job, they battled hard and sometimes the bounces just don’t go your way,” said head coach Tara Watchorn.

“I think everyone in our locker room can reflect and say that we gave it all, played our game and it just didn’t go the way we wanted it to.”

Team Canada will play at 6 am PST on Sunday as Primerano has a chance to break the tournament record for points by a defender.