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Denmark Stuns Czech Republic in Overtime at the 2017 World Junior Championships

Photo of Igor Burdetskiy Igor Burdetskiy Follow on X December 30, 2016
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MONTREAL, CANADA - DECEMBER 29: Denmark's Nicolaj Krag #19, Jonas Rondbjerg #16, Anders Koch #3 and Joachim Blichfield #11 celebrate after a third period goal against the Czech Republic during preliminary round action at the 2017 IIHF World Junior Championship. (Photo by Francois Laplante/HHOF-IIHF Images)

Mathias From scored the 3-2 overtime winner at 0:47 as Denmark beat the Czechs for the first time in World Junior history at the Bell Centre on Thursday.

From, who plays for Sweden’s Rogle Angelholm, beat Czech goalie Daniel Vladar with a high backhander on a solo rush. The 19-year-old forward made a memorable 2017 World Junior debut after being sidelined with an injury since mid-December.

“I knew yesterday that I was going to play,” said From. “It was hard to come into the game at first because I didn’t play for some time. [My injury] happened on the first day of training camp.”

“He brings a ton of speed and a lot of skill as well,” said Danish captain Alexander True. “He’s dangerous, as you could see when he scored that OT winner. It’s really nice to have him back.

Joachim Blichfeld and Nikolaj Krag added a goal and an assist apiece for Denmark. Martin Necas and Filip Hronek scored for the Czechs.

The Danes are on a roll. They got bombed 6-1 in their opener versus Sweden, but then shocked Finland 3-2. They were outshot in that game, and again versus the Czechs, 34-22. Yet they’re winning anyway.

“That’s unbelievable,” said Blichfeld. “We’re a small country, so it’s amazing.”

Czech coach Jakub Petr’s group has points in three straight games, but is still struggling with consistency. They opened with a 2-1 win over defending champion Finland but then lost 4-3 in overtime to Switzerland.

Igor Burdetskiy

Igor Burdetskiy

Founder, Editor-in-Chief, & CEO at Hooked on Hockey Magazine
I grew up playing Ball and Roller Hockey day and night somewhat religiously throughout elementary and middle school. The two don't compare though when I lace up the skates and hit the ice. I live and breathe hockey beyond the perspective of "it's just a game" and I will gladly talk hockey for hours with anyone. Hockey is more than just a lifestyle, it's a culture of passionate people who make memories every time the puck is dropped. Hockey has not only helped me get through some of the hardest times in life but has created some of the best memories to date. Want to talk hockey with me? Shoot me an email: iburdetskiy@hookedonhockey.com and let's talk some hockey!
Igor Burdetskiy
Photo of Igor Burdetskiy Igor Burdetskiy Follow on X December 30, 2016
0 1 minute read
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