Vocetkova Scores Winner As Czechia Takes Bronze At U-18 World Championships

Czechia came from behind to earn a 2-1 win and capture their second straight medal, this time a bronze, at the women's IIHF U-18 World Championships.

After a scoreless first period where both goaltenders, Maja Helge of Sweden and Daniela Novakova of Czechia, were flawless.

In the second, Sweden's Tilde Grillfors took a pass in the high slot and finally beat Novakova to give Sweden a 1-0 lead.

Heading to the third period down a goal, Czechia knotted the score at 1-1 on the powerplay after a scrum sent multiple players to the box. Veronica Hujova got Czechia on the board, and only minutes later, Czech captain Linda Vocetkova tipped home a high point shot from Johanna Tischler to give her nation their first lead of the game.

Sweden outshot Czechia 37-33 and were arguably the better of the two teams. Late in the game Sweden looked to be headed to the power play after Swedish forward Lovisa Engstrom was taken down in the crease. The officials however, even up the calls keeping the game at even strength. With their goalie pulled, Sweden pressed, but Novakova kept the door closed for Czechia keeping their lead.

It's the fourth medal in Czechia's history at the tournament after they captured a historic bronze medal last year.