Canada crushes Czech Republic in WJHC pre-tournament opener
Four-point nights by Robert Thomas and Taylor Raddysh led Team Canada to an explosive 9-0 win over Czech Republic in Wednesday's exhibition matchup ahead of the 2018 World Junior Hockey Championship.
Played before a passionate crowd at Budweiser Gardens in London, Ontario, Team Canada abused Czech Republic netminder Jakub Skarek for nine goals.
Canada opened the scoring midway through the first period when Anaheim Ducks prospect Maxime Comtois tapped a loose puck past Skarek.
Team Canada continued to pour on the offense, including a five-goal outburst in the final frame.
Canadian goaltender Carter Hart turned aside 23 shots for the shutout.
Canada's next contest in pre-competition action comes Friday against Switzerland at FirstOntario Centre in Hamilton. Team Canada begins round robin play vs. Finland on Dec. 26.
See the full boxscore here:
| Period | Score | Goal | Assists | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1-0 | Maxime Comtois | Alex Formenton | Kale Clague |
| 1 | 2-0 | Robert Thomas | Taylor Raddysh | |
| 2 | 3-0 | Jake Bean | Cale Makar | Robert Thomas |
| 2 | 4-0 | Boris Katchouk | Robert Thomas | Taylor Raddysh |
| 3 | 5-0 | Taylor Raddysh | Robert Thomas | Kale Clague |
| 3 | 6-0 | Taylor Raddysh | Jordan Kyrou | Sam Steel |
| 3 | 7-0 | Jonah Gadjovich | Michael McLeod | Drake Batherson |
| 3 | 8-0 | Drake Batherson | Jonah Gadjovich | Cale Makar |
| 3 | 9-0 | Cal Foote | Brett Howden | Maxime Comtois |