Ice Hockey World Championship in the Czech Republic
13th World Championship title: Czech Republic celebrates its ice hockey heroes
The Czechs’ World Cup title sparked a late party in Prague. Photo
© Petr David Josek/AP/dpa
An NHL superstar and a strong goalkeeper bring a whole country into celebration. The arena in Prague also played a part in the Czech Republic’s World Cup title.
Ice hockey superstar David Pastrnak was surprised by his own goal celebration. “I never thought there would be a goal that would bring me to my knees,” said the striker, who slid across the ice on his knees. The exceptional player’s opening goal ten minutes before the end paved the way for the hosts. Czech Republic wins its 13th World Cup title.
“I told myself that I would never celebrate like that. Then something just exploded inside me. It was all these emotions, the fans, the whole country,” said the Boston Bruins NHL professional after the 2-0 final victory over Switzerland.
The Czechs needed 50 minutes to score their first goal. After Pastrnak’s 1-0, David Kämpf scored just before the final whistle to make it 2-0 and also made Czech ice hockey idol Jaromir Jagr celebrate. The Czechs’ first World Cup title since the 2010 World Cup in Germany meant a late party in Prague.
“I’ll probably drink two beers,” joked Czech defense ace Radko Gudas of the NHL’s Anaheim Ducks. It might even be a few more, although the defender admitted: “I’m exhausted. It’s been an extremely long season.”
In the final against Switzerland, the outstanding goalkeeper Lukas Dostal and above all the more than 17,000 spectators in the arena in Prague provided the decisive boost, said the 33-year-old. “They were unbelievable. Becoming world champions in front of these fans is unbelievable,” enthused Gudas.