PWHL Takeover Tour Expansion For the third consecutive tournament, Czechia is returning home golden from the European Youth Olympic Festival. It's a continued sign, beginning with this U-16 age group, that Czechia continues to lead the way competitively in European women's hockey. CZECHIA BEATS FINLAND FOR GOLD Facing Finland for gold, Czechia earned a 5-2 win and looked in control from the moment the puck dropped. After a scoreless first, Alena Luxumburkova opened the scoring for Czechia taking a pass in the high slot from Rozalie Sale before beating Finnish netminder Aino Maattanen cleanly. Shortly after, Finland responded as Emmi Loponen was left alone in the slot herself and went high glove side beating Lili Chmelarova. Czechia however, turned on the gas in the second period with Dani Brezinoza and Lucie Sindelarova scoring to give their nation a 3-1 lead heading to the third. In the third period Netta Siitonen brought Finland within one on the power play, but Czechia's Karolina Bojdova responded to reclaim Czechia's two goal lead. With time winding down, Adela Mynarickova slid the puck into the empty net to pad Czechia's lead and lift them to a gold medal. SLOVAKIA SCORES IN BUNCHES FOR BRONZE In a high scoring affair, Slovakia defeated Sweden 7-6 to earn bronze. Natalia Gero had two goals and an assist, as did Emma Plvanova. Also scoring for Slovakia in the game were Greta Konradova, Nina Sevcikova, and Karin Hruskova. Sweden's Filippa Fernstrom scored a hat trick in the loss. Switzerland finished fifth in the tournament beating Italy 8-0 in a placement game.
