Team Czechia Wins First Ever Medal - Photo Story

Photos and Story by Robert Thomas

It was a rollercoaster of emotions as Team Czechia claimed their first ever World Para Ice Hockey medal - a bronze - defeating Team China in a 3 - 2 nail biter.

Playing in front of 689 spectators - mostly Team China fans - the game was a see saw affair where the Bronze medal could have easily ended up on the necks of either team.

Here are 17 photos of the action and celebration.

Team China’s Zhi Fong Wang (left) attempts to go around Team Czechia’s Filip Vesely - MJ Independent photo

Team Czechia’s goaltender Martin Kudela reaches for a loose puck - MJ Independent photo

Team China’s goaltender Dian Peng Qiu stretches to make a save as Team Czechia’s Patrik Sedlacek attempts to catch up to a loose puck - MJ Independent photo

Team China regroups on their own end - MJ independent photo

Team Czechia’s Miroslav Novotny (left) attempts to evade the checking of Team China’s Guang Jian Hu - MJ independent photo

Action in front of the Team Czechia net as Team China players call for a pass from the corner - MJ independent photo

Team China’s Zhi Lyu (right) looks up ice as he rounds his net - MJ Independent photo

Team Czechia’s Vaclav Hecko attempts to corral the puck in front of Team China’s net - MJ Independent photo

Team Czechia’s Michal Geier (left) scores on Team China - MJ Independent photo

A Team China fan looks up to check the clock - MJ Independent photo

Team China’s Jin Qiang Xu (right) is watched by his goaltender Yan Zhao Ji - MJ Independent photo

Team Czechia players celebrate their third and game winning goal scored with 1:14 left in the game - MJ Independent photo

Player of the game for Team Czechia Michal Geier touches sticks with his teammates - MJ Independent photo

Team China goaltender Dian Peng Qiu shakes hands with head referee Bobby Esposito - MJ Independent photo

Team Czechia Karel Wagner shakes hands with Team China’s players - MJ Independent photo

Team Czechia head coach Jakub Novotny is all smiles as he heads to shake the game officials hands after receiving his bronze medal - MJ Independent photo