Team USA had a chance to defend their World Junior Hockey Championship title on home ice this year. They entered a talented team into the tournament, and had a good run along the way, but their ultimate game at the 2018 event will be played with a bronze medal on the line.
While the US will be disappointed with that outcome, the Czech Republic must be ecstatic about a chance to claim a medal. The country hadn’t been to the semifinals since 2005, and has a chance to take a meaningful reward from the tournament for their efforts.