Blackhawks prospects Jakub Galvas, Tim Soderlund advance to 2018 World Junior Championships semifinals
Chicago will play a prospect in each semifinal game.
Chicago Blackhawks prospects Jakub Galvas and Tim Soderlund will play for a medal for their country at the World Junior Championships in Buffalo, New York.
Galvas, a defenseman, and Czech Republic defeated Henri Jokiharju and Finland 4-3 in a shootout to face Canada, who ousted Switzerland 8-2, in Thursday’s semifinals. Galvas had his shot redirected into the net by Filip Zadina to force overtime against Finland. Galvas (2017 fifth-rounder) has two assists in the tournament. Jokiharju (2017 first-rounder) finished the tournament with four points, including a goal in each of his first two tournament games.
In the bottom half of the bracket, Soderlund and Sweden edged Slovakia 3-2, to meet the defending champion United States in the semifinals. Soderlund had a goal and assist in Sweden’s win. He has four points (two goals, two assists) in the tournament.
The Americans outlasted Russia and forwards Artur Kayumov and Andrei Altybarmkyan 4-2 in the quarterfinal round. Altybarmkyan scored a third-period goal in the loss to finish the tournament with three points (one goal, two assists). Kayumov had five points (three goals, two assists) in the tournament.
Schedule
Thursday, Jan. 4
Semifinal Game 1: Czech Republic vs. Canada, 3 p.m.
Semifinal Game 2: Sweden vs. United States, 7 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 5
Bronze medal game: Semifinal Game 1 loser vs. Semifinal Game 2 loser, 3 p.m.
Gold medal game: Semifinal Game 1 winner vs. Semifinal Game 2 winner, 7 p.m.
