TEAM USA CZECHED OFF

TEAM USA IS TOTALLY 'CZECHED' OFF AT THE 2012 WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS

In a shocking upset, Team USA loses to the very enthusiastic team from the Czech Republic.

Petr Mrazek in net for the Czechs displayed energy and a light-hearted side with his celebrating of goals by his teammates.

Bill Arnold for Team USA gets Player of the game nod as well as Petr Holik for the Czechs despite the 'jeers' from the crowd after the games' 5-2 victory.

Mrazek faced 54 shots allowing only 2 goals. Team USA dominated the shots but they were unable to produce more goals.

Team USA had a crowd awakening penalty shot after Jiri Riha of the Czech team took a tripping call on the breakaway by Josh Archibald. Mrazek stood tall between the pipes and denied Josh's scoring attempt. The exuberant Mrazek double fist pumped the crowd ecstatic at the 2-2 tie remaining.

In spite of their efforts, Team USA just couldn't fight the force that was Petr Mrazek. With the Czech win, Team Canada automatically gets a bye into semi-finals. While the Czechs will face off against Finland in their final game of the Preliminary round.

Team USA will play Team Canada Saturday in the last of the Prelims.