Czechs Shut Out Russia, Face Canada in Semis

HELSINKI (Reuters) - The Czech Republic shutout Russia 3-0 on
Wednesday to set up a semifinal against Canada at the world ice
hockey championships.

NHL goal scoring champion Milan Hejduk of the Colorado Avalanche
(news) led the way for the Czechs, winners of the tournament in
three of the last four years, with a goal and an assist.

The Czechs never looked in danger of losing, taking advantage of the
few power play opportunities they had, scoring twice on four Russian
penalties.

Jan Hlavac and Jaroslav Hlinka were the other Czech goalscorers
while Tomas Vokoun of the Nashville Predators had the shutout,
turning aside all 31 shots he faced.

Canada and the Czechs will square off in the semi-final on Friday.
Slovakia has claimed one spot in the second semi-final and will play
either Sweden or Finland.