World Juniors: Canucks’ Cootes and Team Canada beat Czechia 7-5

Unfortunately for Canucks fans, Björck was one of Sweden’s healthy scratches and did not factor into the win.

Canada survives a wild opener against Czechia

That evening, Team Canada kicked off its tournament against a familiar thorn in its side: Czechia. A matchup that has delivered drama in recent years lived up to expectations once again.

Braeden Cootes centred Canada’s fourth line and did not see time on special teams. He took the ice for just 12 shifts for a total of 9:21 of ice time in the win.

The game opened with a back-and-forth first period. Nashville Predators prospect Brady Martin got Canada on the board first, finishing off a tremendous centring feed from top draft-eligible forward Gavin McKenna.

The lead didn’t last long. Tomáš Poletín tied the game after being left unchecked in front, deflecting a point shot past Canadian netminder Carter George.

Canada regained the lead late in the second period when Michael Hage trailed the play, took a pass in stride, and ripped a pinpoint shot off the crossbar and in.

Czechia responded in the middle frame with back-to-back goals from Vojtěch Čihař and Petr Sýkora, giving the Czechs their first lead of the tournament.

With time winding down, Zayne Parekh scored a massive goal to even the score before the period’s end. The defenceman ripped home his first of two goals on the night to tie the game, then struck again early in the third to restore Canada’s lead.

Once again, Czechia answered. A wild bounce off the end boards kicked directly to Poletín, who batted the puck past George for his second of the game.

Just over a minute later, Tij Iginla responded, stepping into a Michael Misa drop pass and firing another perfectly placed shot to make it 5–4.

Before the midway point of the third, the two-time undrafted defenceman — and current Canucks prospect Parker Alcos’ defensive partner in Edmonton — Ethan MacKenzie scored his first of the tournament to provide Canada with some insurance and the eventual game winner.

Canada wouldn’t look back. Despite one final push from the Czechs, the Canadians held on for a thrilling 7–5 victory to open their tournament on a high note.

What’s next

Canada will face Latvia on Saturday, December 27, at 1:30 p.m. PT — one year to the day after Latvia made history by dramatically upsetting the Canadians.

Basile Sansonnens and Team Switzerland open their tournament against the United States later that day, with puck drop set for 3:00 p.m. PT.

Meanwhile, Wilson Björck and Team Sweden will enjoy a day off before returning to action on Sunday against Switzerland at 11:00 a.m. PT.