Corbeil's Ben Gaudreau allowed 5 goals on only 17 shots and was replaced in the second period by Thomas Milic as Team Canada fell 5-2 to Czechia in the opening game of the World Junior Hockey Championship in Halifax tonight.
Gaudreau allowed two goals in the opening frame as Canada fell behind 2-1. Czechia scored two goals in less than 40 seconds to get the lead in that opening frame including a back door pass and a screen shot from the point.
Gaudreau allowed another three in the second frame including a pair of power play markers after Canada's Zach Dean took a five minute major for head contact.
For the second time in the game Gaudreau allowed two goals in less than a minute as, with the score 3-2, Czechia buried the two power play markers past the Sarnia Sting goaltender and former North Bay Trapper. The fifth tally from a bad angle spelled the end of the night for Gaudreau.
Thomas Milic, Canada's other netminder, has a North Bay connection too as he is coached by Matt Marquardt, who is an assistant coach with his club team the Seattle Thunderbirds of the WHL. Marquardt also trains with Ben Gaudreau in the summer in North Bay.
Milic made 10 saves and allowed no goals against in relief of Gaudreau.
It is the most goals Canada has allowed in a game against Czechia at the World Juniors.
Canada's next match is against Team Germany on Wednesday.
