In a stunning upset at the World Junior Championship, Czechia defeated the USA in quarterfinal play.
The win by Czechia ends the US’s attempt at winning back-to-back gold medals and leaves the United States without a medal at the tournament for the first time in five years.
Devils propsect Luke Hughes’ tournament has come to a close, while Petr Hauser moves on with Czechia to play Canada in semi-final play.
Hauser played a big role in the win on Wednesday night when his first goal of the tournament gave Czechia a 2-1 lead over the US at the 7:34 mark of the second. The goal could not have come at a better time for Czechia, as Hauser’s rocket of a shot hit the crossbar and went into the net to give Czechia a 2-1 lead over the Americans.
Hauser made the most of his limited ice time, playing just 5:05 as the extra Czech forward on the roster.
On the USA side, Hughes was held off the scoresheet but played his usual big minutes ending the game with 24:27 in time on ice and two shots. After the game, Hughes was selected as one of the top three players for Team US, A, as selected by the team.
Up next is semi-final play with Czechia playing Canada and Sweden against Finland.
Hauser remains the lone Devils prospect left at the tournament.