Rochester's leading scorer put up four points to help Czechia lock down the bronze medal at the 2024 World Junior Championship.
In case you needed a reminder, Jiri Kulich is for real.
The first overall draft pick by the Buffalo Sabres in 2022, Kulich put up 12 points across seven games as Czechia earned a hard-fought bronze at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship.
In today's bronze medal matchup, Kulich put up two goals and two assists with eight shots on goals as the club moved past Finland 8-5.
Kulich, 19, leads the AHL's Rochester Americans in scoring with 16 goals and 22 points in 23 games before his hiatus for the tournament. Kulich now has 29 points across 21 games through three years of World Junior play, amassing a +18 in that span.
“I’m really proud of Kulich,” said Amerks head coach Seth Appert in a statement before the game. “I think he was really torn on going, but he felt that responsibility to his country. I appreciate that and I respect that. To have the ‘C’ and leadership responsibilities he’s taking for that group is great to see. It’s growth and maturity. He’s helping his team deliver in big moments.”
In the 2022-23 season, Kulich put up 24 goals and 46 points in 62 games, with another 11 points in 12 playoff games.
Kulich is widely considered to be a key prospect in the young Sabres system.