Czechia mounts epic comeback vs. Finland to win bronze

Czechia scored six unanswered goals - including four in the final two minutes of regulation - to defeat Finland 8-5 for the bronze medal at the World Junior Championship on Friday.

Tomas Hamara scored the game-winner 15 seconds after Ondrej Becher notched the equalizer.

Dominik Rymon and Becher added empty-netters to secure the win. The last goal was Becher's third of the game to cap his hat trick and five-point outing.

Czechia captain Jiri Kulich had another standout performance, recording two goals and two assists. He finishes with a tournament-high 13 points entering the gold-medal game.

The Czechs were outstanding on special teams in the contest, scoring three power-play goals and a shorthanded tally while also killing off three of Finland's four power-play opportunities.

Jakub Vondras secured the win for Czechia between the pipes, stopping 17 of 20 shots after relieving Michael Hrabal, who was pulled in the first period after allowing two goals on three shots.

After winning silver in 2023, this marks the first time Czechia has won medals in back-to-back years since claiming gold in 2000 and 2001.