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Czechia started the fifth-place game at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup strongly, building up a 2:0 in the first period. Slovakia responded early in the second, but the Czechs regained a two-goal lead in the 33rd minute. Slovakia missed key chances – especially during a five-minute power play – while Czechia capitalised on their own opportunities, pulling ahead 5:1 in the third. Slovakia added a late goal, but the Czechs held on for a 5:2 win to secure fifth place, with Slovakia finishing sixth.
Penalties: 6:7, plus Řípa (CZE) 5 + OK. PP goals: 3:1. SH goals: 0:0.
Referees: Gebauer, Mejzlík – Augusta, Bezděk. Attendance: 1126.
Report
Czechia opened the scoring in the 2nd minute when Vojtěch Švancara converted a pass from Matěj Tománek with a clever move and a shot to the far post. Late in the period, Jiří Kamas beat Slovak goalie Denis Čelko at the near post to make it 2:0.
Slovakia got one back early in the second period when Oliver Ozogány scored from the right circle on a powerplay. The Slovaks gained momentum but couldn’t find the equaliser. Instead, the Czechs struck again – Petr Tomek scored on a powerplay, firing into the top corner. A major penalty by Dominik Řípa gave Slovakia a five-minute advantage, but they failed to convert.
They carried that powerplay into the third period and earned another soon after, but couldn’t break through Czech goalie Sklenička. In contrast, Czechia made their powerplay count – Jiří Maxa scored just five seconds into their advantage with a rebound. Jiří Kamas found the back of the net in the 53rd minute after a setup from Lukáš Kachlíř, extending the lead to 5:1.
Slovakia responded shortly after through Matúš Lukáčik, but the Czechs calmly saw out the game to win 5:2 and end the tournament with a win in front of their faithful home fans.