Americans rout Czech Republic, get rematch with Canada at World Juniors

By Michael Caples –

The Americans will get another shot at Canada, after all.

Team USA dominated the Czech Republic today in the quarterfinals of the World Junior Championship in Ufa, Russia, recording a 7-0 win to advance to a semifinal match-up with Canada.

John Gaudreau (Carneys Point, New Jersey) had a hat trick in the win, while John Gibson (Pittsburgh) stopped 31 shots in goal.

Michigan’s representatives covered the scoresheet; Rochester native Jacob Trouba had four assists, while Livonia native Riley Barber and Plymouth Whalers products J.T. Miller and Ryan Hartman all scored for the U.S.

“Today we played outstanding from the goalie out to our defensemen and forwards,” said Phil Housley, head coach of the U.S. National Junior Team, in a press release. “I think we’re coming into our own as a team. It’s always good to get the first goal, and then in the second period our power play was clicking and we pulled away. We’re looking forward to tomorrow’s semifinal game against Canada.”

The Americans lost to Team Canada 2-1 on Dec. 30 in a preliminary round match-up. Trouba had the lone American goal in the loss. Canada took the top spot in Group B of the tournament, which meant that they avoided quarterfinal play.

From USAHockey.com: