Five WHLers walked away from the tournament with Bronze Medals
For the second straight year, Czechia has won a medal at the World Juniors. After winning Silver in 2023, this year's team walked away with Bronze after a thrilling 8-5 victory over Finland. Included on the team were five WHLers who all played vital roles for Czechia throughout the tournament.
Starting with the hero of the Bronze Medal game, Prince George Cougars Ondrej Becher, delivered when his country needed him the most. He finished the game with five points, including a hat trick, while also going 11 for 16 in the faceoff dot. Finishing the tournament with ten points, he was one of three players on Czechia to eclipse double digits this year.
On the backend, Portland Winterhawks Marek Alscher was a rock throughout the tournament. Named one of Czechia's top-three players of the tournament, he played a crucial role despite not registering a point. One of the WHL's premier shutdown defenders, he should have a big second half with Portland as they push for a Memorial Cup berth.
Next up, Dominik Rymon delivered when his team needed him most. He had points in all three of Czechia's playoff round games and scored the insurance goal against Finland to secure the Bronze Medal. With 43 points in 32 games for the Everett Silvertips this season, he will be looking to deliver more clutch performances during the WHL postseason.
Lastly, Kamloops Blazers Matteo Koci and Victoria Royals Robin Sapousek return home with medals. Koci was dressed for every contest but did not play in the Bronze Medal game, while Sapousek was injured earlier in the tournament. Each can now say they were part of a Bronze Medal-winning team at the World Juniors.
