McTavish scores twice as Canada tops Czechia to remain undefeated in world juniors
CBC
Kent Johnson has been working for years on a move that stuns goalies and hockey fans alike.
On Saturday, he executed it in a big way, scoring a highlight-reel-worthy goal that helped Canada to a 5-1 win over Czechia at the world junior hockey championship.
Johnson put away the dazzling game winner 19 minutes into the first period, scooping the puck on to his stick blade behind the net, picking it up as he glided forward and swirling it in over the Czech goalie's shoulder for an elusive "Michigan" goal.
The move — also known as a lacrosse goal — is something the Columbus Blue Jackets prospect has been honing for about six years.
"I've been practising that move since I was like, 14, and doing it," he said. "Now it's just something that's kind of in the tool box."
Still, pulling it out to give the Canadians a 2-1 lead — one they never relinquished — was exciting.
"It's a big goal, a really good one," said Johnson, who added an assist in the third period. "I think it's the period I was having, too. I think I would have been pretty pumped for it to go off my skate, too."
The play drew wild cheers from the crowd of 5,135 at Rogers Place. On the ice, Johnson's linemate Logan Stankoven held his gloved hands above his head and uttered "Oh my God!"
"That was probably one of the nicest Michigans I've seen, honestly," said Canada's captain, Mason McTavish. "He got it up so fast and at the end of the first period, the ice isn't that great then. So that was something special to watch. I'll definitely be watching that over and over again."
McTavish scored twice for Canada (3-0-0) on Saturday, while Ridly Greig and Tyson Foerster each found the back of the net. Jack Thompson, Ronan Seeley and Stankoven each contributed a pair of assists.
WATCH | Canada defeats Czechia 5-1:
Czechia (1-1-1) opened the scoring with a short-handed goal early in the first period.
Jaroslav Chmelar was sent to the box after running fellow New York Rangers prospect Brennan Othmann into the boards from behind and leaving the Canadian with a bloody nose.
The play was reviewed and Chmelar was ejected with a game misconduct. His team was left to kill a five-minute major penalty.
