The United States' and Canada West's hopes at a medal took a hit after both suffered losses in Monday's World Junior A Challenge action.
Team USA had a shocking 1-0 loss to the Czech Republic in the afternoon game.
The first two periods saw both the Czechs and United States trade chances but neither team could solve the respective goaltenders.
The game remained scoreless up until the 15-minute mark of the third period. Kristian Reichel, son of former NHL player Robert Reichel, put a slap shot from the point past USA goaltender Cayden Primeau, who is the son of former NHL player Keith Primeau.
United States applied pressure late in the period but were unable to get the puck past Petr Kvaca, who earned a 30-save shutout and Player of the Game honours.
“Everybody is screaming and jumping and just enjoying the moment. Now we will prepare for the quarterfinals or the semifinals,” Reichel described the team's mood after the game.
This win was just the fourth in 18 games for the Czech Republic in the history of this tournament. It was only the eighth loss in 41 games for the USA in the WJAC.
“It was a big win today against the USA, they have a pretty good team but we prepared for them really good so that's a plus for us and now we are happy,” Reichel added.
In the evening game a rivalry was renewed as Canada West took on team Russia in front of a packed crowd at the RJ Lalonde arena.
Mikhail Bitsdale and Alexey Lipanov gave the Russians a two-goal lead after the first 20 minutes.
In the second period, Canada West came out with some new energy. Carter Turnbull started the scoring for the Canadians with some great speed down the wing at the 1:12 mark. Will Koop tied the game up just three and a half minutes later.
At 13:54 in the second frame, Turnbull scored his second goal of the night. It was the only power play goal Canada West scored in this game on seven opportunities.
“The guys I am playing with are great. They are getting pucks to me and I am also getting some lucky bounces. I was happy that they went in,” said Turnbull.
With 1:33 remaining in the period, Russia tied the game up again. Andrei Svechnikov sent the game tied 3-3 going into the third period.
A slow start to the third period would cost Canada West. Two goals from Russia in the first 2:37 of the period gave them a 5-3 lead.
Canada West applied heavy pressure in the closing minutes of the period but the score went unchanged.
Turnbull was named Player of the Game for Canada West.
“Whenever you put the Canadian jersey on your mindset it to win. It was tough to lose that one tonight but I think we can battle back,” said Turnbull.
Canada West will wait to see where they are seated while team Russia will play the 3:30 p.m. game against the Swiss on Tuesday, Dec. 13. The 7:30 p.m. game has Canada East versus USA.
