POLENSKA’S LATE WINNER GIVES CZECHS SEMI-FINAL BERTH IN THRILLER

by Heather McIntyre

Alena Polenska scored with 0.8 seconds remaining in the third period, vaulting the Czech Republic into the semi-finals of the 2008 IIHF World Women’s Under-18 Championship after a 3-2 win over Germany on Wednesday.

The Czechs dominated the play in the opening 20 minutes, outshooting Team Germany 10-5. German goaltender Julia Zorn stood tall though, and the teams headed for their dressing rooms scoreless through one period.

The Czechs were the first to break onto the scoresheet, as Lucie Manhartova put her team ahead just shy of the eight-minute mark of the middle frame. The second period was a back-and-forth affair, although the Czechs held a sizable 11-4 advantage in shots on goal.

Germany finally pulled even on the powerplay 7:27 into the third period, as Vanessa Anselm put the first puck past Czech goaltender Katerina Becevova, but Polenska capitalized on a German turnover to restore the Czech lead with less than five minutes to go.

But the Germans refused to give up, and were rewarded with just 2:06 to go when Manuela Anwander pulled them even, setting up a classic finish.

After German defenseman Carina Spuhler iced the puck with less than five seconds to go, the Czechs won the face-off back to Polenska, who wired a shot just underneath the crossbar with less than a second to go, setting off a raucous celebration on the Czech bench.

German captain Jenny Tamas and Czech forward Katerina Mrazova received the Player of the Game awards.

The Czech Republic will face-off against the USA in semi-final action on Friday at 4:15 p.m. MT at Father David Bauer Arena, while the Germans will battle Russia in a placement game Friday at Norma Bush Arena, with puck drop set for 4:00 p.m. MT.