In Prague, a 2:0 win last night on home ice proved enough to see the Czech Republic crowned the new ice hockey World Champions.
In Prague, a 2:0 win last night on home ice proved enough to see the Czech Republic crowned the new ice hockey World Champions.
Playing Switzerland in front of a capacity crowd of 17,500, the hosts edged ahead in the ninth minute of the third period courtesy of a David Pastrnak goal. As the clock ticked down, tension turned to delirium when David Kampf fired in a second to clinch it in the dying stages of the game.
As champagne flowed, forward Matej Stransky spoke of his joy: “It’s hard to explain - you’re just so happy about everything. The guys we have here, we’re like brothers, and that makes you even happier. You dream about this.”
Goalie Lukas Dostal was pivotal, stopping 31 attempts to shut the Swiss out. “It’s unreal,” he said. “I’m speechless. It’s unbelievable. I’m proud of all of us.” One of the heroes of the tournament, Dostal also kept a clean sheet against the United States in a stunning 1:0 Quarter Final win.
Played in a bearpit atmosphere, the Czechs were roared on by a partisan crowd on Sunday with thousands more watching in a fanzone in Prague. Victory marks the thirteenth time the Czechs have won the world title, and ends a 14-year wait for hockey’s top prize.
President Petr Pavel led the tributes. Referencing the country’s memorable Olympic gold in Nagano 1998, he said: “We simply needed a new Nagano, and you gave it to us.”
He also congratulated the team on X. “We are proud of you! Thank you guys,” he wrote.
As celebrations continued long into the night, the Czechs can reflect on hosting a successful tournament that will enter domestic legend.
Sweden finished third after beating Canada 4:2 for Bronze, whilst Poland and Great Britain are relegated from hockey’s elite after finishing bottom of their respective groups.
As champagne flowed, forward Matej Stransky spoke of his joy: “It’s hard to explain - you’re just so happy about everything. The guys we have here, we’re like brothers, and that makes you even happier. You dream about this.”
Goalie Lukas Dostal was pivotal, stopping 31 attempts to shut the Swiss out. “It’s unreal,” he said. “I’m speechless. It’s unbelievable. I’m proud of all of us.” One of the heroes of the tournament, Dostal also kept a clean sheet against the United States in a stunning 1:0 Quarter Final win.
Played in a bearpit atmosphere, the Czechs were roared on by a partisan crowd on Sunday with thousands more watching in a fanzone in Prague. Victory marks the thirteenth time the Czechs have won the world title, and ends a 14-year wait for hockey’s top prize.
President Petr Pavel led the tributes. Referencing the country’s memorable Olympic gold in Nagano 1998, he said: “We simply needed a new Nagano, and you gave it to us.”
He also congratulated the team on X. “We are proud of you! Thank you guys,” he wrote.
Even the internal security agency, BIS, weighed in: “Real warriors never give up,” wrote the service on social media. “Congratulations.”Je to tam! Jsme na vás hrdí! Hoši děkujem. Zlato po čtrnácti letech opět pro Česko. pic.twitter.com/EnfJUX9fWq
— Petr Pavel (@prezidentpavel) May 26, 2024
As celebrations continued long into the night, the Czechs can reflect on hosting a successful tournament that will enter domestic legend.
For the Swiss, the final marked the third time in eleven years that they had fallen at the final hurdle. “Silver is silver and gold is gold,” lamented veteran forward Anders Ambuhl. “We didn’t get gold, so it always hurts.”Prague still lit Monday morning. pic.twitter.com/Yquo3jfnne
— World Hockey Report (@worldhockeyrpt) May 27, 2024
Sweden finished third after beating Canada 4:2 for Bronze, whilst Poland and Great Britain are relegated from hockey’s elite after finishing bottom of their respective groups.
Source: IIHF
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