The stage was set for a terrific matchup between Canada and the Czech Republic in Blue Division play. Canada was coming off a thrilling come from behind win over the Iroquois in a packed War Memorial just the day before. It was their first game of the tournament and left them in a spot where could come out a little flat against a lesser opponent. The Czech team on the other hand was in a very physical, penalty-ridden loss the day before against a hungry USA team.
The key for the Czech Republic was to not let the Canadians run over them at the start like the Americans did. Just over six minutes into the game the day prior, the Czechs had already let in six US goals. A similar effort against Canada would be certain defeat. For Canada, they needed to pick up where they left off by playing their lacrosse and finishing off the Iroquois in the fourth quarter.
While Canada would roll off five goals before the first Czech points went up on the board, it was not the same situation as the run the Czechs weathered against the US. These five goals were spread out over seventeen minutes of play. In those seventeen minutes, it seemed like they could make it a game at any point. Canada’s Brandon Miller in goal made sure it never got there as he finished the night with a save percentage of 92%. Mike Poulin also played well for in net the Czechs, and their defense really does deserve more credit than they might receive given the final score. Canada was not scoring by backing down defenders and overpowering their matchups. They used their superior passing and stick work to setup one quick stick goal after another. It was some beautiful offense on display.
Canada had goals from eight different players, and it was Shawn Evans that led the way in points. He only scored two goals, but he had assists on six others. Mark Matthews (4G,3A) continued his high output from the night before while Adam Jones (3G,4A) and Dhane Smith (4G,3A) performed very well in their world games debuts.
The halftime score of 9-1 really made the game feel like it was out of reach, but anything could have been possible. Unfortunately for the Czechs, the feeling was cemented when the true onslaught began in the third quarter. Just ten minutes into the half, Canada would tack on another nine goals to put the game completely out of reach at 18-1. For the Czechs, Dominik Pešek, who scored the first goal on a beautiful righty sidearm from the left side, would answer again early in the fourth quarter to make it 18-2. Shawn Evans would quickly respond with another before both teams went scoreless over the last 13 minutes of the game.
It was a good sign that the Czechs did not repeat their seven penalty (mostly slashing and roughing) outing from their match against the US. They played hard, but did not revert to any chippy play despite being overwhelmed by the Canadian squad all game. This game as a whole only had seven penalties and three of those were illegal substitutions. It was much cleaner than it could have been.
The Czechs now get a day off before they face the Iroquois. Canada goes directly into a game with the United States, which is must-see lacrosse.
If you cannot make it in person, tune in via www.wilc2015.com/watch at 7:30 Eastern.
Photo Credit: Coyote Magic Action Shots
