U.S. Blanks Czech Republic, 7-0, in WJC Quarterfinals
Matthews Records Hat Trick; U.S. To Face Russia in Semifinals Monday
HELSINKI, Finland – Auston Matthews (Scottsdale, Ariz./Zurich) had a hat trick, Nick Schmaltz (Verona, Wis./University of North Dakota) recorded a goal and two assists, and Alex Nedeljkovic (Parma, Ohio/Niagara) stopped all 28 shots he faced as the U.S. National Junior Team defeated the Czech Republic, 7-0, in a quarterfinal matchup at the 206 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship here tonight in Helsinki, Finland.
With the win, Team USA advances to the semifinals and will face Russia on Monday (Jan. 4) at 1 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast live on NHL Network.
“I’m really proud of the effort our players showed here tonight,” said Ron Wilson, head coach of the 2016 U.S. National Junior Team. “We had contributions from every line and all situations. I like where our team is at and we’re looking forward to the next game.”
For complete recap, including stat leaders, post-game comments, highlights and more, click here.
NOTES: Nick Schmaltz was named the U.S. Player of the Game … The U.S. outshot the Czech Republic, 35-28 … For complete box score, click here … The U.S. is 4-0-0-1 (W-OTW-OTL-L) at the 2016 IIHF World Junior Championship … Auston Matthews has seven goals in this year’s World Juniors, the most of any player in the tournament. Matthews’ seven goals is one short of tying the U.S. single-tournament record of eight held by Jeremy Roenick (1989) … Alex Nedeljkovic leads all goaltenders in the World Juniors in both goals against average (1.15) and save percentage (.954) … The U.S. has two shorthanded goals in the tournament, the most of any team … Team USA has scored 25 goals in its first five games of the 2016 IIHF World Junior Championship and allowed just five goals … For more information on the 2016 U.S. National Junior Team, including a full roster, click here … Use the hashtag #USAWJC on Twitter to join the conversation about the U.S. National Junior Team … All U.S. games will be broadcast live on NHL Network.
