MVP of the Championship is Jan Čejka. Three Czechs named in the U23 All-Star team

All-Star team of the Tournament

Goalkeeper Antonín Křemenák (CZE) was one of the key figures for the Czech team at the Junior World Championship. The 22-year-old netminder stood tall especially in the final against Canada, where he shut the door during decisive moments, including stopping a breakaway by a Canadian forward. His performance provided a solid backbone in net and was a major factor in Czechia’s gold medal.

With 11 points, Martin Kubíček (CZE) became the second-best defenseman of the tournament. Alongside Křemenák, the 22-year-old defender formed the cornerstone of the Czech defense. In six games, he recorded five goals and six assists, making a significant contribution to the Czech triumph. The second defensive spot in the All-Star team was taken by Jason Grannitto (CAN), who also played in the final. The Canadian blueliner tallied seven points in six games, though his primary role was on the defensive end.

The forward line of the All-Star team includes representatives from the USA, Slovakia, and Czechia. American Connor Callahan (USA), with nine points, ranked among the top ten in tournament scoring. His standout performance came in the match against the United Nations team, where he netted a hat-trick. Slovak forward Andrej Siakeľ (SVK) was a key figure in two matches – he scored twice in the upset win over Czechia in the federal derby, and added two more goals in the bronze medal match, including the dramatic game-tying goal just seven seconds before the end of regulation. Rounding out the All-Star forward line is Czech forward Petr Šíma (CZE), who finished with ten points and shone especially in the match against Great Britain, where he recorded a hat-trick.

Best Players of the Tournament

Among the goaltenders, Canadian runner-up Matthew Hennessey (CAN) stood out. He led all netminders in save percentage, approaching the 90% mark, and deservedly earned the award for Best Goaltender of the tournament. One of his best performances came in the match against the United States, where he stopped all 28 shots and recorded a shutout, playing a crucial role in Canada’s journey to the final.

The Lopušan family also had reason to celebrate. Nela Lopušanová – already a decorated Slovak ice hockey player at a young age – could now cheer for her older brother Šimon Lopušan (SVK), who was named Best Defenseman of the U23 Ball Hockey World Championship. The Slovak blueliner racked up 14 points in six games, clearly establishing himself as the tournament’s top defenseman.

And the Best Forward? That title went to Canadian sniper Cole Dupperreault (CAN), who was the first player to score at the World Championship in Hradec Králové. He completed a hat-trick in the opening game against the United Nations and ultimately tallied 11 goals – one more than Jan Čejka – making him the tournament’s top goal scorer.

The MVP of the tournament was Jan Čejka (CZE), who piled up points game after game and has proven himself to be one of the world’s top ball hockey players. The Czech forward led the tournament in scoring with ten goals and nine assists in six games. He confirmed his elite skillset in the final against Canada, netting a beautiful game-winning goal. Thanks to his stellar performances and point production, Czechia marched all the way to the gold medals.

Best U23 Players from Left to Right: Cole Dupperreault (Best Forward and Top Scorer), Matthew Hennessey (Best Goaltender), Šimon Lopušan (Best Defenseman), Jan Čejka (MVP). Photo: Vojtěch Zajíc