MINSK, 19 April (BelTA) - Belarus grabbed a two-goal first-period lead and kept on rolling in a 4-3 upset over the Czech Republic in the opener of the 2019 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship at Umea's A3 Arena in Sweden, BelTA has learned.
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Evgeny Oksentyuk opened the scoring 12 seconds into the game. Vladislav Kolyachonok added to Belarus' success before the first break.
Martin Has and Jan Mlcak replied for the Czechs to level off the game.
Egor Bulyavski took Belarus in front again in the 30th minute. Ignat Belov extended the advantage before the second hiatus.
Filip Koffer was able to narrow the gap eight minutes before the final hooter.
Belarus will next play Finland on 19 April, Canada on 21 April, and Switzerland on 22 April. Two best teams from Group A will progress to the playoff.
Photo courtesy of IIHF and Juniorsky hokej