In the third group match of the IIHF U18 World Championship 2026 In Slovakia (Trenčín and Bratislava), the team from U18 national coach Andreas Becherer against the current group B leaders, the Czech Republic – 1.698 spectators came to the Vladimir Dzurilla Ice Arena in Bratislava for this match. DEB-Young Talent selection was able to celebrate a 3-2 victory after overtime. DEBThe goal scorers were Jonas Schwarz, Nikita Bloch and Tobias Krestan.
The German team will face the USA in their final group match on Monday, April 27th. Kick-off is at 16 pm.
In the game against the Czech team, the German U18 national coach's team received their first penalty after just a few seconds. Nikita Bloch had to sit out for two minutes for tripping. The Czech power play led directly to an early opening goal by Jakub Vanecek (2nd minute). But the German team wasn't fazed and tried to create chances of their own. Luis Becker and Jakub Kottner soon had opportunities to shoot, but couldn't put the puck in the back of the net. The game was now evenly matched – almost half the period had been played – when Tobias Krestan and Max Calce came close to scoring a goal against the Czech net. Then it was Jonas Schwarz (10th minute) who scored his first goal of the tournament, putting the German team at a well-deserved equalizer. Shortly afterward, the Czechs began to lose control of the game. DEBGermany's second penalty was taken by Darian Rolsing – but this time it had no consequences. With just under four minutes remaining in the period, Germany was again shorthanded. Tobias Krestan received a two-minute penalty for holding. However, German goaltender Max Bolle kept a clean sheet. The score remained 1-1 going into the first intermission.
In the middle section, the DEBThe Czech team received another early penalty – this time it was Aurelius Pizka who had to sit out. The Czechs were unable to capitalize on this to regain the lead. The Czech team came out of the locker room with good pace, but Max Bolle continued to be there to make the save. DEBThe Czech team fought back, with Nikita Bloch creating a great scoring opportunity for Germany, but the Czech goalpost denied him the goal. The Czechs then applied considerable pressure on the ice, but the German team countered with high physical intensity. With about seven minutes remaining in the period, Germany had their first power play – which they were unable to convert into a goal. Shortly afterward, Oliver Sichtar (36th minute) scored to put Germany back in the lead. The period ended with the Czechs holding a narrow 2-1 advantage.
Then came the final period – the Czechs created the first promising scoring chances, but goalie Max Bolle kept Germany in the game. A foul by Simon Katolicky gave Germany their second power play midway through the final period. But the Czech Republic maintained their narrow lead. Shortly afterward, the German team had another power play – despite good opportunities, they couldn't capitalize. DEBThe team failed to score. Max Calce and the interplay between Bloch and Schwarz created danger in front of the opposing goal – but the score remained 1-2. With approximately 90 seconds remaining, U18 national coach Andreas Becherer pulled the goalie – the German team capitalized on this, with Nikita Bloch scoring the equalizer to make it 2-2 (48th minute). A failed coaches' challenge gave Germany a power play opportunity. The regulation time ended 2-2.
The DEBThe team started overtime with a man advantage, but this didn't result in any goals. In the 65th minute, a penalty was awarded to the DEB-selection. Then it was Tobias Krestan who scored the winning goal for the passionately fighting German Young Talent selection.
Goalkeeper Max Bolle was named the best German player of the game.
Official statistics: GERCZE
Reactions to the game #GERCZE
U18 national coach Andreas Becherer"With today's victory against the Czech Republic, the team showed a clear reaction to the previous match, which is exactly what we wanted to see from them. Key to the success were the high level of commitment and the determination to consistently play within the established structure. Our simple and direct style of play allowed us to gradually find our rhythm. A solid defense, supported by a strong performance in goal and a cohesive team effort, enabled us to keep the game close until the very end and ultimately secure the victory in overtime."
Defender Luis Gerhofer“We fought really hard today. In the end, we brought home the victory because we gave everything until the last minute. I think that was one of our best games this season. We wanted to show what we can do right from the start, and we succeeded. We can build on this – now it's about continuing in the same way.”