Lions lose to Czech on tiebreaker in Ice Hockey WC opener

Finland lost to host Czech Republic on tiebreaker in the opening match of the Ice Hockey World Championship 2024 started in Prague late Friday night.

The tight and tense battle between the Lions and Czech was ended goalless draw in the normal three periods and extra time resulting the shootout where the hosts ensure victory beating the three times world champions.

Ondrej Kase and Captain Roman Cervenka scored goals in the shootout for the Czech while all four shooters of Finland - Oliwer Kaski, Mikael Granlund, Jesse Puljujarvi and Oliver Kapanen- failed to score.

The Czech players clearly dominated over the Finns from the very beginning of the match and created few chances but Finnish goalkeeper Harri Sateri, who showed excellent performance during the game foiled the moves.

Although Ondrej Palat sent the puck into the Finnish net at the end of the second period and took 1-0 lead, the referees changed the decision and canceled the goal following a review sought by the Finnish coach as David Tomasek had interfered with goalkeeper Sateri.

The Finns, who started to dominate from the second period also created several changes but finally failed to bring any fruitful result for the team.

Earlier, International Ice Hockey Federation President Luc Tardif officially inaugurated the 2024 tournament where Czech Ice Hockey Association President Alois Hadamczik was also present.

Finland will play with Great Britain in their second match on Sunday afternoon.