Blackhawks’ Nazar scores twice as US rallies past Czechs at ice hockey worlds

Posted May 20, 2025 1:42 pm

By The Associated Press

Frank Nazar of the USA, left, scores past Czech Republic goalkeeper Karel Vejmelka and Libor Hajek, center, during a Group B match between Czech Republic and the US at the hockey world championships in Herning, Denmark. AP

STOCKHOLM — The Blackhawks’ Frank Nazar scored twice to help the United States rally for a 5-2 victory over the Czech Republic and hand the titleholder its first defeat at the ice hockey world championship on Tuesday.

The victory lifted the Americans to second place in Group G in Herning, Denmark. Switzerland won the group, with the Czechs finishing third.

“I loved our effort and how we played to our identity,” U.S. head coach Ryan Warsofsky said. “Give our power play credit too. Overall, great team effort and a good step forward as we continue to build.”

Nazar deflected a shot into the net to tie the game at 2-2 1:35 into the final period on a power play. He scored again on another power play for the 21-year-old Chicago Blackhawks forward's sixth goal at the tournament.

Logan Cooley roofed a shot from close range to make it 4-2 with 6:31 to go and Andrew Peeke finished it off with a goal into an empty net.

Josh Doan gave the Americans a 1-0 lead 9:25 into the game on a rebound with a backhand between the pads of goalie Karel Vejmelka.

The U.S. dominated the first period, outshooting its opponent 23-8. The Czechs came back in the second, as David Pastrnak tied the game on a breakaway 41 seconds into the period by beating his Boston Bruins teammate Swayman for his sixth goal at the tournament.

Pastrnak then set up Martin Necas in the left circle to one-time a shot that put the Czechs 2-1 up 8:33 into the middle period.

Earlier, Austria reached the playoffs for the first time in 31 years.

Austria defeated Latvia 6-1 and became the fourth and final team to advance to the quarterfinals from Group A.

Sweden and Canada face each other later Tuesday for top spot in the group. Finland, another qualified team, beat Slovakia 2-1.

Switzerland beat Kazakhstan 4-1 in Herning, Denmark, and moved to the top of Group B before later games.

Kazakhstan was relegated after five years in the top division.

Switzerland finished on 19 points, two ahead of the U.S. and the Czechs

Also, the winner between Germany and Denmark later Tuesday will determine the fourth and final team from Group B to advance.

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AP sports: https://apnews.com/sports

United States' Frank Nazar celebrates with teammates after scoring against the Czech Republic during a Group B match at the hockey world championships, Tuesday, May 20, 2025, in Herning, Denmark. (Bo Amstrup/Ritzau Scanpix via AP) AP

United States' Frank Nazar celebrates after scoring against the Czech Republic during a Group B match at the hockey world championships, Tuesday, May 20, 2025, in Herning, Denmark. (Bo Amstrup/Ritzau Scanpix via AP) AP

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