Buffalo, NY – January 12, 2025 – In a thrilling and hard-fought battle for the bronze medal at the 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship, Czechia edged out China in a dramatic 3-2 overtime victory at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. The win marks Czechia’s second consecutive bronze medal in tournament history and cements their rising status in international women’s hockey.
For China, the loss was a heartbreaking conclusion to a historic run. Making their first appearance in a medal game in over two decades, Team China came into the contest as one of the tournament’s most surprising and inspiring stories. However, it was Czechia’s poise under pressure and clutch overtime execution that sealed the win.
A Fast-Paced, Evenly Matched Game
From the first puck drop, both teams displayed intensity and purpose. Czechia came out aggressively, looking to control possession and set the tone, while China relied on their speed in transition and disciplined defensive play. The first period ended 1-1, with Czechia striking first on a power-play goal from Klára Hymlárová at 7:23. China responded just five minutes later when Lin Qiqi capitalized on a rebound in front of the net, beating Czech goaltender Klára Peslarová.
The second period saw Czechia outshoot China 14-6, but Chinese netminder Yu Baihong delivered a masterclass performance in goal. Her sharp glove saves and composed puck control helped China withstand several Czech scoring chances. Despite the pressure, it was China who took the lead midway through the period, thanks to a highlight-reel goal from Zhang Xifang, who deked past two defenders and snapped a wrist shot into the top corner.
Czechia responded late in the second frame. With just under two minutes left, veteran forward Tereza Vanišová tied the game at 2-2 after a clean zone entry and a low shot through traffic that beat Baihong five-hole.
Tension Builds in the Third Period
The third period was a chess match, with both teams tightening their defense. Czechia’s top pairing of Adéla Škrdlová and Samantha Kolowratová anchored the blue line, denying China any clean looks. On the other side, Chinese captain Sun Rui rallied her squad to maintain structure, clearing rebounds and blocking shots.
Both teams had chances to win it in regulation. A late power play for Czechia nearly resulted in a game-winner, but Baihong made two point-blank saves to send the game into sudden-death overtime.
Overtime Heroics
The 3-on-3 overtime format offered ample space for the skilled players on both sides to shine. Each team had early chances, including a near-breakaway by China’s Wang Yuqing that was stopped by a sliding Peslarová. But the game was ultimately decided at 4:37 of overtime.
Czech forward Natálie Mlýnková broke free after a quick give-and-go with Vanišová, bursting past a defender and roofing a backhand shot over Baihong’s shoulder to clinch the bronze. The Czech bench exploded onto the ice as Mlýnková was mobbed by teammates, while a stunned Chinese squad watched their dream of a medal slip away.
A Milestone for Czechia
The win secured Czechia’s second-ever medal at the Women’s World Championship, following their bronze in 2023. Coach Carla MacLeod praised her team’s resilience and the leadership shown by veterans.
“We knew this wouldn’t be easy,” MacLeod said post-game. “China played with heart and speed. But our group stuck together, trusted the process, and believed. That belief made the difference.”
Mlýnková, the overtime hero, credited the team’s preparation and chemistry. “We’ve grown so much as a team. To win like this, in overtime, is something we’ll remember forever.”
China’s Remarkable Run
Despite the loss, China’s performance in Buffalo was nothing short of exceptional. Ranked 10th entering the tournament, they stunned higher-ranked teams with their speed, organization, and goaltending. Their semifinal berth — and push for a medal — signifies a potential new era for women’s hockey in Asia.
“We’re proud,” said Chinese head coach Brian Idalski. “These players made history. They fought every game. It hurts now, but they’ve inspired a whole generation back home.”
Looking Ahead
With the 2026 Winter Olympics on the horizon, both teams leave Buffalo with critical momentum. Czechia has solidified its position among the sport’s elite, while China’s resurgence promises new challenges for traditional powers. The bronze medal match was a showcase of how global and competitive women’s hockey has become.
As the crowd in Buffalo gave both teams a standing ovation, it was clear that the game was more than a medal decider — it was a celebration of growth, grit, and the global rise of the women’s game.
