The offensive heroes have changed almost every game – a testament to the team’s depth – but there’s been a constant as the last line of defense for the Czech World Championship team: Lukáš Dostál, who was voted Top Goalkeeper by the IIHF Tournament Directorate and named to the Media All-Star Team after posting a save percentage of .939 and a goals-against average of 1.58.

“Unbelievable!” the 23-year-old Anaheim Ducks goaltender said after the 2-0 win over Switzerland in the final – his third shutout in eight games. “I’m just so happy now. I have no words.”

The game remained scoreless until nearly halfway through the third period, but Dostál insisted he wasn’t feeling any jitters.

“No, not really,” he replied. “You know that one team has to win and you just hope it’s gonna be you, so no pressure.”

With 10:47 to go, David Pastrňák scored his first goal of the tournament on a one-timer to the top corner. While he was happy to see the puck go in, Dostál still kept an even keel.

“Obviously it was great, but right away I took a look at the clock and I knew there was still 11 minutes left,” the Czech goalie said. “Then the glass broke, so there was a bit of a rest and we knew they were going to come at us pretty hard. But the guys did a great job cleaning up the rebounds.”

One of the rocks on the Czech defense has been one of Dostál’s biggest cheerleaders all tournament long.

“I don’t know if I need to talk about this again – his record speaks for itself,” said defenseman Radko Gudas, who was asked about Dostál again after the final. “You know, he stepped into the NHL last year and he hasn’t looked back. For the age he is, he’s so calm and he gives us the confidence to be able to make those plays in front of him. He’s always been there for us and it’s wonderful to have him as a teammate in Anaheim and it’s awesome to be world champions together.”

From Dostál’s perspective, the feeling is mutual.

“You know, I have Gudy back in Anaheim and he’s just so great,” the goalie smiled. “We’re almost like family. In Anaheim he’s like an older brother for me and I’m so happy that he’s also part of this team and part of this moment too.”

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A native of Brno, Czechia, Dostál went to Tampere, Finland at the age of 18 and played there for three seasons before heading overseas. He was asked about that decision and how that brought him to this moment.

“It’s been a journey, for sure,” said Dostál. “I left because I felt it was the best place for my development. My goal was the NHL and my home team and Ilves were part of the journey. Then I went to North America and this season was my first full year in the NHL. Now I’ve made it here and everything is an experience.

“I’m still 23 years old but I know this might never happen again, winning gold in my home country, so I’m not taking it for granted. I’ll remember it forever.”