When the Czech Republic's U20 squad arrived in Calgary this week, Sabres prospect Vaclav Karabacek was not there. Neither was New Jersey's shiny first-rounder, Pavel Zacha. Zacha is sitting out due to precautionary reasons, and until we learn otherwise, we'll assume that the same reason applies to Karabacek.
The Czechs certainly could have used them Tuesday when they took the ice at Hockey Canada's World Junior Showcase, as the hosts received a five-point night from Tampa Bay prospect Brayden Point en route to capturing a 7-1 blowout victory.
Filip Chlapik (OTT) got the Czechs on the board first when he beat Mackenzie Blackwood (NJD) with a wrist-shot tally from between the circles, but it was all Canada from there.
Point, who was chosen in the third round in the 2014 draft, recorded two goals and three assists in the contest, including a four-point middle frame to put the game away. Jake Virtanen (VAN) added a pair of goals for Canada. Rourke Chartier (SJS), Haydn Fleury (CAR) and Brandon Hickey (CGY) added singles for the winning side.
The Canadians will square off with Russia on Wednesday as they continue their summer evaluation schedule in preparation for the 2016 World Junior Championship. The Czech Republic gets another crack at Canada at Thursday.
