OTTAWA, Ontario — In a decisive match on Saturday night, Cole Eiserman of Boston University netted a crucial goal to break a tie in the second period, leading the United States to a 4-1 victory against Czechia. This win propels the American team into the finals of the world junior hockey championship.
The U.S. squad is set to face Finland, who earned their spot in the championship game by defeating Sweden 4-3 in an intense overtime battle in the earlier semifinal. Notably, Finland had previously triumphed over the United States 4-3 during the group stage play.
Eiserman’s pivotal one-timer came with 6:19 remaining in the second period after receiving a deft cross-ice pass. US head coach David Darle expressed his pride in the team’s performance, stating, “We played an excellent Czech team, and it was a very difficult game. We continue to grow as a group, and we’ll get set to face another great team in Finland tomorrow.”
Alongside Eiserman, Boston College players Ryan Leonard and Gabe Perreault contributed significantly to the Americans’ success, with each recording a goal and an assist. Oliver Moore from Minnesota also added a goal, while goaltender Trey Augustine from Michigan State made 26 saves, ensuring the team’s solid defensive play. The Americans are aiming for their seventh championship and a chance to secure consecutive titles.
“It would mean everything,” Perreault, who was part of last season’s team, remarked. “We definitely have the team to do it. We’ll be ready to go.” The lone goal for Czechia came from Jakub Stancl, while their goaltender Michael Hrabal successfully turned away 21 shots during the match.
In the first semifinal, Finland’s Benjamin Rautiainen clinched victory with a goal during a power play, converting at 9:22 of overtime against Sweden. Rautiainen found the net from a sharp angle while taking advantage of a 4-on-3 situation due to Tom Willander’s holding penalty. Finnish coach Lauri Mikkola praised Rautiainen’s skill, saying, “Very skillful guy at doing things like that. Nobody expected when he shoots.”
Petteri Rimpinen was a standout for Finland, making 43 saves, while teammates Emil Hemming, Jesse Kiiskinen, and Arttu Alasiurua all contributed with goals. For Sweden, Otto Stenberg scored twice, and Wilhelm Hallquisth also tallied, while goaltender Melker Thelin managed to stop 31 shots.
