US advances to world junior semifinals; Canada gets knocked out by UMass goalie Michael Hrabal, Czechia

Czechia goaltender Michael Hrabal (30) celebrates with teammates Marek Alscher (27), Sebastian Redlich (17) and Adam Bares (10) following their win over Canada in a quarterfinal match at the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in Gothenburg, Sweden, Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP)

Czechia goaltender Michael Hrabal (30) celebrates with teammates Marek Alscher (27), Sebastian Redlich (17) and Adam Bares (10) following their win over Canada in a quarterfinal match at the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in Gothenburg, Sweden, Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP) Christinne Muschi

USA's Gabe Perreault celebrates scoring during the IIHF World Junior Championship ice hockey quarterfinal match between USA and Latvia at Frolundaborg in Gothenburg, Sweden, Tuesday Jan. 2, 2024. (Bjorn Larsson Rosvall/TT via AP)

USA's Gabe Perreault celebrates scoring during the IIHF World Junior Championship ice hockey quarterfinal match between USA and Latvia at Frolundaborg in Gothenburg, Sweden, Tuesday Jan. 2, 2024. (Bjorn Larsson Rosvall/TT via AP) Björn Larsson Rosvall/TT

USA's Oliver Moore, center, celebrates scoring during the IIHF World Junior Championship ice hockey quarterfinal match between USA and Latvia at Frolundaborg in Gothenburg, Sweden, Tuesday Jan. 2, 2024. (Bjorn Larsson Rosvall/TT via AP)

USA's Oliver Moore, center, celebrates scoring during the IIHF World Junior Championship ice hockey quarterfinal match between USA and Latvia at Frolundaborg in Gothenburg, Sweden, Tuesday Jan. 2, 2024. (Bjorn Larsson Rosvall/TT via AP) Björn Larsson Rosvall/TT

Canada players, from left, Conor Geekie, Fraser Minten and Matthew Poitras react following their loss to Czechia in a quarterfinal match at the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in Gothenburg, Sweden, Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP)

Canada players, from left, Conor Geekie, Fraser Minten and Matthew Poitras react following their loss to Czechia in a quarterfinal match at the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in Gothenburg, Sweden, Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP) Christinne Muschi

Canada's goaltender Mathis Rousseau (30) looks back as Czechia's Jakub Stancl (not shown) scores in the final seconds of play during the third period in a quarterfinal match at the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in Gothenburg, Sweden, Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP)

Canada's goaltender Mathis Rousseau (30) looks back as Czechia's Jakub Stancl (not shown) scores in the final seconds of play during the third period in a quarterfinal match at the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in Gothenburg, Sweden, Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP) Christinne Muschi

Canada goaltender Mathis Rousseau, left, and Czechia goaltender Michael Hrabal shake hands following their quarterfinal match at the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in Gothenburg, Sweden, Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP)

Canada goaltender Mathis Rousseau, left, and Czechia goaltender Michael Hrabal shake hands following their quarterfinal match at the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in Gothenburg, Sweden, Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP) Christinne Muschi

Canada players, from left, Oliver Bonk (5), Denton Mateychuk (24) and Maveric Lamoureux (13) react following their loss to Czechia in a quarterfinal match at the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in Gothenburg, Sweden, Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP)

Canada players, from left, Oliver Bonk (5), Denton Mateychuk (24) and Maveric Lamoureux (13) react following their loss to Czechia in a quarterfinal match at the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in Gothenburg, Sweden, Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP) Christinne Muschi

Czechia players celebrate their win over Canada in a quarterfinal match at the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in Gothenburg, Sweden, Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP)

Czechia players celebrate their win over Canada in a quarterfinal match at the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in Gothenburg, Sweden, Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP) Christinne Muschi

Czechia goaltender Michael Hrabal, right, and Tomas Hamara react following their win over Canada in a quarterfinal match at the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in Gothenburg, Sweden, Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP)

Czechia goaltender Michael Hrabal, right, and Tomas Hamara react following their win over Canada in a quarterfinal match at the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in Gothenburg, Sweden, Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP) Christinne Muschi

Czechia's Jakub Stancl (21) celebrates his game-winning goal with teammates during the third period of a quarterfinal match at the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in Gothenburg, Sweden, Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP)

Czechia's Jakub Stancl (21) celebrates his game-winning goal with teammates during the third period of a quarterfinal match at the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in Gothenburg, Sweden, Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP) Christinne Muschi

Czechia's Dominik Rymon (12), Ondrej Becher (19) and Tomas Cibulka (7) celebrate the game-winning goal against Canada by teammate Czechia's Jakub Stancl (not shown) during the third period of a quarterfinal match at the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in Gothenburg, Sweden, Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP)

Czechia's Dominik Rymon (12), Ondrej Becher (19) and Tomas Cibulka (7) celebrate the game-winning goal against Canada by teammate Czechia's Jakub Stancl (not shown) during the third period of a quarterfinal match at the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in Gothenburg, Sweden, Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP) Christinne Muschi

Czech Republic's celebrate winning the IIHF World Junior Championship ice hockey quarterfinal match between Canada and Czech Republic at Scandinavium in Gothenburg, Sweden, Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. (Adam Ihse/TT News Agency via AP)

Czech Republic's celebrate winning the IIHF World Junior Championship ice hockey quarterfinal match between Canada and Czech Republic at Scandinavium in Gothenburg, Sweden, Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. (Adam Ihse/TT News Agency via AP) Adam Ihse

Canada players after being defeated in the IIHF World Junior Championship ice hockey quarterfinal match between Canada and Czech Republic at Scandinavium in Gothenburg, Sweden, Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. (Adam Ihse/TT News Agency via AP)

Canada players after being defeated in the IIHF World Junior Championship ice hockey quarterfinal match between Canada and Czech Republic at Scandinavium in Gothenburg, Sweden, Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. (Adam Ihse/TT News Agency via AP) Adam Ihse

USA's Rutger McGroarty celebrates scoring during the IIHF World Junior Championship ice hockey quarterfinal match between USA and Latvia at Frolundaborg in Gothenburg, Sweden, Tuesday Jan. 2, 2024. (Bjorn Larsson Rosvall/TT via AP)

USA's Rutger McGroarty celebrates scoring during the IIHF World Junior Championship ice hockey quarterfinal match between USA and Latvia at Frolundaborg in Gothenburg, Sweden, Tuesday Jan. 2, 2024. (Bjorn Larsson Rosvall/TT via AP) BJORN LARSSON ROSVALL

Canada players line up following their quarterfinal hockey loss against Czechia at the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in Gothenburg, Sweden, Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP)

Canada players line up following their quarterfinal hockey loss against Czechia at the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in Gothenburg, Sweden, Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP) Christinne Muschi

USA's Will Smith celebrates scoring during the IIHF World Junior Championship ice hockey quarterfinal match between USA and Latvia at Frolundaborg in Gothenburg, Sweden, Tuesday Jan. 2, 2024. (Bjorn Larsson Rosvall/TT via AP)

USA's Will Smith celebrates scoring during the IIHF World Junior Championship ice hockey quarterfinal match between USA and Latvia at Frolundaborg in Gothenburg, Sweden, Tuesday Jan. 2, 2024. (Bjorn Larsson Rosvall/TT via AP) BJORN LARSSON ROSVALL

Sweden's Otto Stenberg, center, celebrates scoring the opening goal during the IIHF World Junior Championship ice hockey quarter final match between Sweden and Switzerland at Scandinavium in Gothenburg, Sweden, Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. (Adam Ihse/TT via AP)

Sweden's Otto Stenberg, center, celebrates scoring the opening goal during the IIHF World Junior Championship ice hockey quarter final match between Sweden and Switzerland at Scandinavium in Gothenburg, Sweden, Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. (Adam Ihse/TT via AP) Adam Ihse

Finland's Jere Lassila celebrates after scoring his side's fourth goal during the in IIHF World Junior Championship ice hockey quarter final match between Slovakia and Finland at Froelundaborg in Gothenburg, Sweden, Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. (Bjoern Larsson Rosvall/TT News Agency via AP)

Finland's Jere Lassila celebrates after scoring his side's fourth goal during the in IIHF World Junior Championship ice hockey quarter final match between Slovakia and Finland at Froelundaborg in Gothenburg, Sweden, Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. (Bjoern Larsson Rosvall/TT News Agency via AP) Björn Larsson Rosvall/TT

Finland's players celebrate their side's third goal during the in IIHF World Junior Championship ice hockey quarter final match between Slovakia and Finland at Froelundaborg in Gothenburg, Sweden, Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. (Bjoern Larsson Rosvall/TT News Agency via AP)

Finland's players celebrate their side's third goal during the in IIHF World Junior Championship ice hockey quarter final match between Slovakia and Finland at Froelundaborg in Gothenburg, Sweden, Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. (Bjoern Larsson Rosvall/TT News Agency via AP) Björn Larsson Rosvall/TT

Published: 01-02-2024 5:22 PM

Modified: 01-02-2024 5:23 PM

GOTHENBURG, Sweden (AP) — Gabe Perreault scored twice and six other players had a goal as the U.S. routed Latvia 7-2 Tuesday to advance to the semifinals of the IIHF world junior championship.

Perreault, the New York Rangers’ 2023 first-round pick, also had an assist as part of a dominant game by his line. Fellow 18-year-olds Will Smith, the No. 4 pick by San Jose, and Amherst native Ryan Leonard, No. 8 to Washington, combined for three points.

UMass’ Dans Locmelis had both goals for Latvia, tallying in the first period on an unassisted goal and again on the power play in the third period. 

The Americans’ victory came after tournament favorite Canada was knocked out in stunning fashion with a 3-2 quarterfinal loss to Czechia. St. Louis Blues prospect Jakub Stancl scored the go-ahead goal with 11.7 seconds left.

“It feels like the world’s ending a bit,” Canada captain Fraser Minten said. “Such an unbelievable opportunity for all of us in our careers. You never really know if you’re going to get another look representing your country or playing on such a global stage.”

The Canadians carried the play for most of the final 40 minutes before Stancl fired a shot on goal in the dying seconds of regulation that deflected off the leg of Canada defenseman Oliver Bonk — the son of Czech-born former NHL forward Radek Bonk — and beat goaltender Mathis Rousseau.

“Felt like I gripped my stick a bit too tight,” said Matthew Poitras, whom the Boston Bruins loaned to Canada for the tournament. “I feel like I kind of let some of these guys down, let the country down.”

Michael Hrabel, the current starting goalie at UMass, got the win in net for Czechia, stopping 28 of the 30 shots he faced. 

Article continues after...

Yesterday's Most Read Articles

Request for proposals being prepped for Greenfield’s First National Bank
No Montague Soapbox Derby this year
With traveling Busload of Books, husband and wife look to inspire love of reading
Orange department heads voice frustration over potential 15% budget cuts
Western Mass. Mother’s Day Half Marathon reaches 15th edition on Sunday in Whately
Shelburne voters give blessing to bylaws on short-term rentals, battery energy storage
Your Daily Puzzles

Cross|Word

Flipart

Typeshift

SpellTower

Really Bad Chess

Canada had won each of the previous two world junior tournaments and three of the past four. The only player back from the 2023 championship team, Owen Beck, said he and his teammates weren’t sure how they lost after erasing a two-goal deficit.

“Our heads are kind of just spinning right now,” Beck said. “It’s a horrible way to end things off here.”

Finland beat Slovakia 4-3 in overtime to join the U.S. and Czechia in the semifinals. Host Sweden took down Switzerland in the last quarterfinal game in overtime, setting up semifinal games on Thursday. The U.S. and Finland will meet at 1:30 p.m. while Czechia and Sweden open things up at 9 a.m. Games are broadcast on NHL Network.