(Edmonton) Hugo Alnefeldt returned 24 shots and Sweden scored seven unanswered goals, leading to a 7–1 win over the Czech Republic at the World Junior Hockey Championship on Saturday.
Elmer Sotherblam had a goal and an assist, while Albine Sandsvik, Arvid Kostmar, Noel Gunner, Emil Heinemann, Theodor Niederbach and Oscar Bejarcellius also scored against Sweden. Philip Brberg and Victor Sauderström were credited with three artists each, while Tobias Björnfot produced two collections.
Montreal Canadiens prospect Jan Mysurk scored the only goal for the Czech halfway point in the first round before looking into things Sweden. Nick Malik allowed seven goals on 41 shots.
Sweden extended their winning streak to 53 in the preliminary round at the World Juniors. She hasn’t lost in the preliminary round in 14 years, but has won gold only once in that streak in 2012.
Last year Sweden won the bronze in Ostrava, Czech Republic.
The Czech Republic will play their next match against Russia on Sunday, while Sweden will play against Austria on Monday.
In other meetings scheduled for Saturday, Canada had a date with Germany, while the United States had to cross swords with Austria.
Austria 0-United States 11
Matthew Boldy gave a hat trick, Trevor Zegrass had two goals and two assists and the United States improved Austria to 11–0.
After losing 5–3 to Russia in their first game of the tournament, the US had a feast against Austria, who are entering the tournament for the first time since 2010.
The Americans dominated the shots 73–10 and opened the game in the second period, entering the locker room with six goals ahead 7–0.
Brett Barnard had one goal and two assists, John Farinias had one goal and one assist while Brendan Bryson scored twice for United.
Drew Helleson and Sam Colangelo completed the scoring for the Americans, who would have two days off before resuming action on Tuesday against the Czech Republic.
Dustin Wolf started the game and was perfect against 10 shots from Austria, who would cross swords with Sweden on Monday.
Sebastian Wrenschitz faced 68 shots and prevented 58. Wrenschitz was injured in the third period, and gave way to Jacob Brandner, who allowed one goal and five shots.