Should have been in the Bronze Medal Game last year but just couldn't finish off the Fins. I think it's fair to say that Czechia is a top 3 WHKY country now and with Klara Peslarova healthy they're going to beat out Canada or the USA very soon to compete for a Gold Medal. Thankfully only one more year at the senior level with the current Pool A/Pool B situation then it goes to being normal like every other IIHF tournament.
Considering how recently the Czechs have begun to rise on the women's side there's nothing wrong with realistic expectations. Canada and the USA are expected to be in the Gold Medal Game especially with Sweden out and the Czech's facing off against the most dominant team in the tournament. The field is closing in though and it's not going to be a surprise if a few things go right for the Czechs that have them upset Canada. The first half of the round robin game between the two easily could have seen Canada trying to comeback down 2-3 goals instead of being up 3. Adéla Šapovalivová and Tereza Plosová are looking great, while the rest of the team showed they can skate with most of the Canadian roster. This could easily turn into a frustrating game for Canada just like last years semi-final.
Appreciate the kind words about our tiny (but growing) little program. It is funny because I do think our goalie is the best one in women's hockey and she does give us the old 'puncher's chance'.
The nice thing is that we are doing well at the senior level and U18 level... so hopefully we can sustain and grow.
Having said that.. US vs Canada may be one of the best rivallry in any sport. Just amazing year after year. Their spots as 1-2 are very well earned.
I have had worries that they'll eventually get rid of women's hockey at the Olympics because lack of competittion... so this is great. The battle for Bronze has become amazing. The battle for Gold has always been amazing. Only gripe is that the semi's tend to not be very much fun as there are more blowouts than close games historically.
I've actually thought the Mens tourneys would benefite from a legit Pool A and Pool B. There is a clear divide between the 4th nation and the rest. I'd love to see round robin games between Canucks, US, Finns and Swedes. And, since I love my international hockey... I'd love to see the round robin games between the other nations too! Slovaks, Germans, Swiss and Latvians. Then my Czechs lost somewhere in the middle.lol