Canada ready for Czech date in world junior hockey championship semifinals

Canadian forward Jett Luchanko (17) passes to teammate Braeden Cootes (8) at practice in St. Paul, Minn., on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov

SAINT PAUL — Porter Martone crossed the red line and bumped an opponent with his shoulder.

The Canadian captain was joined by defencemen Zayne Parekh and Kashawn Aitcheson in some Boxing Day dark arts ahead of their opener against Czechia at the world junior hockey championship.

The sport’s powerhouse went on to pick up a 7-5 victory against the country that ended its dreams in the quarterfinals the last two tournaments, but then failed to shake hands after its flag was raised and the anthem played.

Czechia wasn’t happy in the moment. Martone, who also took an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty late in regulation for tapping forward Adam Novotny’s backside and faced a disciplinary committee for the warm-up antics, later apologized for his actions.

Hockey Canada issued a mea culpa of its own for the post-game snub.

The countries have plenty of recent history at the men’s under-20 showcase. The latest chapter is set for Sunday’s semifinal showdown after Canada thumped Slovakia 7-1 and Czechia got past Switzerland 6-2 at the first medal-round hurdle.

“We’re going to give our hearts and we’re going to play to the best of our ability,” Martone said following Saturday’s optional practice at Grand Casino Arena. “I know every guy in that room is going to be blood, sweat and tears to the very end.”

The 19-year-old is one of six returnees who felt the sting of defeat in Ottawa after falling to the Czechs in the quarters some 12 months ago — a result that hurt even more following the program’s near-identical result in 2024.

“We know there’s going to be four million Canadians watching back home,” Martone added. “That’s always a spark for us. We’re excited and we’re ready to go.”

Fellow returnee Cole Beaudoin took a major penalty and received a game misconduct for kneeing early in last year’s loss to the Czechs.

“You think about it,” said the centre. “(But) it’s (a) new group, new team … the past is what it is. We’re going to have it in the back of our mind, use this fuel to go into that game and play with energy.”

Canadian forward Gavin McKenna — projected as one of the top picks at the 2026 NHL draft — said his team will need to channel its emotions after the Dec. 26 encounter with Czechia that featured those chippy moments.

“Just how fired up we were, knowing we let the country down twice losing to those guys,” he said of what stood out that night. “We don’t want to do that again. We’re fired up here, and hopefully we have that same mentality.”

The Czechs have largely moved on from any perceived disrespect from Canada, but captain Petr Sikora said “of course” there’s motivation after what transpired.

“There was a lot of (scrums) and talking,” added defenceman Radim Mrtka, who was injured for the opener, but watched from the stands. “It’s actually good for us, just get some emotions.”

Canada could breathe a sigh of relief after getting through an elimination game for the first time since winning gold in 2023 in Halifax — an overtime victory against the Czechs — but general manager Alan Millar didn’t see it that way following two years of heavy criticism.

“We’re here to win a world championship,” he said. “It wasn’t about getting past the quarterfinals.”

Canada will need to make sure to not cross any lines against the Czechs — including the one at centre ice in warm-ups.

“High-stake games, your emotions get up,” Martone said. “You’ve got to be emotional at times and not take those bad penalties. Play with emotion, play with all the heart you have.

“Give your all, but just be disciplined.”

Crease commander

Jack Ivankovic appears to have Canada’s net the rest of the way after making 21 stops in the quarters, pushing his save percentage to .959 in two appearances.

Carter George, the starter last year and again coming into this event, has a tournament-low .844 mark among qualifying goaltenders in his three victories as the Canadians finished with 11 of a possible 12 points in the preliminary round.

“He’s very calm back there,” Martone said of Ivankovic. “He knows how to calm down the game, especially when the games get tense.”

The cool-under-pressure Ivankovic — last year’s backup in the nation’s capital — said he doesn’t get nervous.

“The last few years have definitely helped this rivalry,” he said of the Czechs. “We’re ready to turn the page. It’s our game.”

Points from the point

Parekh, who was not made available to the media Sunday, leads the entire tournament with 10 points from the back end.

“He’s a character,” Millar said. “He brings that character on and off the ice. He’s been very good for us in terms of his offensive output. He’s defended better than some people give him credit for.

“Power play has been very good, and he’s a game-changer. His skill set is dynamic.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 3, 2026.

Joshua Clipperton, The Canadian Press