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Slovakia’s under-20 ice hockey representatives made a big surprise at the WC in Moncton, Canada. In their second championship game, they defeated one of the favorites for the USA title 6:3.
You can watch the match Slovakia “20” – USA “20” ONLINE at ŠPORT.sk >>
The duel in the Avenir Center arena was decided by the second period, which the Slovaks won 3:0. Libor Nemec’s goal was followed by Dalibor Dvorský, Róbert Bačo and Filip Mešár. In the third period, Peter Repčík ensured the victory and Alex Čiernik closed the score with an empty net.
In their next match, Ivan Fenes’ side will face Latvia on Friday at 17:00 CET. They will close their group games simultaneously against Switzerland on Saturday 31 December.
U20 Hockey World Cup – Group B:
SLOVAKIA – USA 6:3 (1:2, 3:0, 2:1)
Targets: 3. L. Nemec (Žlnka, Š. Nemec), 31. Dvorský (Štrbák, Repčík), 32. Bačo (Groch, Kmec), 34. Mešár (Š. Nemec, Šotek), 51. Repčík (Kmec), 60 Čiernik (Š. Nemec) – 5. Boucher (McGroarty, Gauthier), 7. Brindley (Hutson, Stramel), 56. Boucher (Gauthier, Cooley)
Judges: Magnusson (Sweden), Salonen (Finland) – Goncalves (Fr.), Grillo (USA), red card: 4:2 for 2 minutes, additionally Bačo 5+DKZ for cross and Connors 5+DKZ for hitting the bar , overmatch: 1:1, underdogs: 0:0, 6,438 spectators
Assemblies:
Slovakia: Gajan – Sh. Nemec, Funtek, Štrbák, Nátny, Kmec, Groch, Bečár – Mešár, Petrovský, Honzek – Sýkora, Dvorský, Čiernik – Žlnka, L. Nemec, Repčík – Dej, Štefančík, Šotek
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: Mbereko – Peart, Hughes, Hutson, Chesley, Ufko, Behrens, Mittelstadt – Gauthier, Snuggerud, Cooley – McGroarty, Blake, Lucius – Boucher, Savage, Duke – Brindley, Connors, Stramel – Lipkin
The Slovaks’ excellent start to the game also gave Ivan Feneš’ men the first goal. In the third minute, Libor Nemec overtook the US goalkeeper with the puck, and for the first time in the tournament, hockey players from Slovakia were in the lead. But not long after, Boucher took advantage of the power play and tied it up. The Slovak coaches asked to look into the situation before the goal with the help of a video, but revealed that the top scorer did not defend the goalkeeper illegally and after the failed challenge, they played again in a weakened state. The Americans struck again shortly after the end, Brindley putting them ahead.
As the second period began, the overseas hockey players played another power play, but the Slovaks defended themselves. The duel favorite was initially more active, but could not develop more continuous pressure. On the contrary, in the important stage of the match, the young Slovaks were getting closer and closer to the end, but Mešár did not convert his chance. However, in the 31st minute, Dvorské managed to equalize with an up-and-down power play shot. The improved play of the Slovakians paid off in the 32nd and 34th minutes. Bačo prevailed first, fortunately followed by Mešár. The Americans took this situation hard, tightened up the game and after Connors’ hit on Nátne, the Slovaks played a power play for five minutes.
The numerical advantage was divided by the counterattack, Gajan at the beginning of the third period made an excellent save after Stramel’s shot. At this stage of the match, foreign hockey players improved movement and emphasis, they also had an advantage in shooting. However, they had to take risks in defense and Libor Nemec had a chance to convert it in goal. However, Mbereko caught him in the raid. However, in the next raid, Repčík prevailed and brought the Slovaks one step closer to a surprising triumph. Not even Boucher’s goal changed anything, indeed, Čiernik sent another puck into the abandoned goal.
Table B-Groups:
1. Švajčiarsko 2 0 2 0 0 6:4 4
2. Fínsko 2 1 0 1 0 7:5 4
3. SLOVENSKO 2 1 0 0 1 8:8 3
USA 2 1 0 0 1 8:8 3
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5. Lotyšsko 2 0 0 1 1 4:8 1
