Czech Republic 5, Switzerland 2 ~ Dec. 29
Win sets up showdown with Team USA
December 29, 2004
By Kevin Fee
Grqand Forks Herald Staff Writer
Switzerland loses 5-2 to the Czech Republic
When the Czech Republic needed a goal, it turned to the youngest player in the World Junior Championship.
Czech Republic coach Alois Hadamczik said 16-year-old Michael Frolik's goal at 14 minutes, 9 seconds of the second period was the key play in a 5-2 victory against Switzerland on Wednesday afternoon in Grand Forks' Ralph Engelstad Arena.
"It's amazing that such a young player took it upon himself to accomplish that," Hadamczik said of Frolik. "He's an extraordinary talent, because of his age."
Frolik's goal gave the Czechs a 2-1 lead en route to a key victory. Switzerland could have done the United States a favor by defeating the Czechs.
The United States must defeat the Czech Republic tonight to gain the top seed out of Pool A. The top seed receives a bye into the semifinals. If the United States loses, it could drop to the No. 3 seed.
The Czechs and Switzerland were involved in a tight battle when Frolik scored. He walked around a defenseman, skated in front and beat goalie Michael Tobler to the far side.
Frolik said the goal helped both the Czechs and his own career. He noted that many NHL scouts were in the building.
"He's the future," Hadamczik said of Frolik, who also can be the present, as evidenced by his solid play against Switzerland.
The Czechs took a 1-0 lead at 5:13 of the first period. While being hauled down by a defender, Milan Hluchy shelved one past Tobler. Hluchy was named the Czech Republic's player of the game.
Stefan Hurlimann made it 1-1 in the second period, firing one high to the near side and past Marek Schwarz.
But the Czechs took control late in the period. After Frolik's goal made it 2-1, Petr Vrana put one in the short side from the faceoff dot at 16:41.
The teams traded early third-period goals, with Marek Kvapil scoring for the Czech Republic and Hurlimann scoring his second of the game for Switzerland. Rostislav Olesz provided the final margin with 30 seconds left.
Schwarz had a strong game in goal for the Czechs. He stopped 24 shots.
Switzerland coach Jakob Kolliker said his team maybe doesn't have as much skill and coolness as the Czech Republic.
"We work hard, we show good," Kolliker said. "But to beat a big nation, we're missing one little step ... . The last kick isn't here. We have to work for the last kick."
