It marked the first time Czechia had beaten Team Canada in a medal-round game at the tournament. With a goal in the final 11 seconds of the game, they stunned a Team Canada that has expectations of winning the tournament every year.
For many years, it seemed to be Canada that won in a dramatic finish - this time they were on the losing side, and Czechia relished the accomplishment of handing Canada that loss.
After the game, the Czech goaltender Michael Hrabal celebrated his part in the victory with authority, even taunting some of the Canadian fans in attendance. As the buzzer sounded marking the win, Hrabal skated to the corner waiving goodbye the some fans. Towards the end of the clip, Hrabal is shown again skating towards the glass waiving his fingers.
Hrabal had an incredible performance in the game, holding Canada to only 2 goals on 30 shots. Selected in the second round of the 2023 NHL Draft by the Arizona Coyotes, Hrabal has certainly increased his stock amongst goalie prospects in the league with this game. It was a dramatic and passionate win for the young goaltender, and he deserves praise for his play - but not so much for the over the top celebration.
POLL | ||
JANVIER 2 | 482 ANSWERS Czechia goalie taunts Canadian fans after massive upset Was the celebration too much from the Czechia goaltender? | ||
Yes | 199 | 41.3 % |
No | 234 | 48.5 % |
See Results | 49 | 10.2 % |
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