On May 26, 2024, Czechia defeated Switzerland 2-0 in the ice hockey world championship final. The game was played at the sold-out Prague Arena, where fans erupted in celebration after David Pastrnak scored the second goal for Czechia with just 19 seconds left on the clock. Pastrnak received a pass from teammate Tomas Kundratek and one-timed the puck into the net from his usual spot in the left circle.
Pastrnak’s goal broke a deadlock that had lasted since the beginning of the final period. Afterwards, he thanked fans for their support throughout the tournament and stated that they had been waiting for this victory for a long time. His teammate, David Kampf, added to their lead by scoring an empty-net goal.
Pavel Zacha, another teammate of Pastrnak’s, commented on their unexpected success in the tournament and credited their work ethic for getting them to this point. Despite finishing their NHL season with Boston Bruins just a week earlier, both Pastrnak and Zacha were proud to represent their country in this prestigious competition.
This victory was especially meaningful as it marked Czechia’s first championship win since 2010 and its seventh title since its creation in 1993. Fans at Prague Arena celebrated wildly as they watched Czechia take home gold and cement its place among Europe’s top ice hockey nations.
