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Switzerland opens 2017 World Junior Championships with OT win over Czech Republic

Photo of Igor Burdetskiy Igor Burdetskiy Follow on X December 27, 2016
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MONTREAL, CANADA - DECEMBER 27: Switzerland's Nico Hischier #18 scores the 4-3 OT winning goal against the Czech Republic's Jakub Skarek #2 during preliminary round action at the 2017 IIHF World Junior Championship. (Photo by Andre Ringuette/HHOF-IIHF Images)

Budding superstar Nico Hischier scored the overtime winner at 0:23 and added two assists as the Swiss topped the Czechs 4-3 in their opener on Tuesday.

Swiss assistant captain Damien Riat fed Hischier a breakaway pass and the 17-year-old sniper from the QMJHL’s Halifax Mooseheads beat Czech goalie Jakub Skarek through the five-hole.

“It’s a great feeling to score in overtime,” said Hischier.

Riat also had a goal and two assists. Captain Calvin Thurkauf added a goal and a helper, and Loic In Albon also scored for Switzerland. Goalie Joren van Pottelberghe shone with 36 saves.

“It’s always nice to win, especially the first game of the tournament,” said van Pottelberghe, who plays for Davos in the Swiss NLA. “It gives you a good feeling to progress in the rest of the games.”

The last time Switzerland won a preliminary-round game was two years ago on this date in Toronto, and it was a 5-2 win over the Czechs. Switzerland, under new head coach Christian Wohlwend, is looking to improve on back-to-back ninth-place finishes at the last two World Juniors.

“This year, we had a super pre-season, and we had two great games against Canada and the USA,” said Wohlwend. “This is why I expect way more from our team 5-on-5. This was the first game and our players were a bit nervous. But now, in the second game we have to step up.”

The Swiss face Sweden next on Wednesday, and the Czechs will battle Denmark on Thursday.

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 27, 2016
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