Luke Richardson reveals one Blackhawks player who's cashing in on Team Canada's shock exit from World Juniors

In the aftermath of Team Canada's unexpected defeat to Czechia at the World Junior Hockey Championship, Chicago Blackhawks' Czech goaltender Petr Mrazek found himself at the center of attention. Blackhawks coach Luke Richardson joked that Mrazek was cashing in on bets following Canada's loss.

Chicago Tribune's Phillip Thompson shared a video on Twitter featuring Richardson's interview, where he was asked if he had to console forward Connor Bedard after Canada's World Juniors exit.

"No, I stayed out of that," Richardson said. "Petr’s having some fun with that today. As you heard in the background, he’s collecting all his money from his bets."

Mrazek has been a consistent presence for the Chicago Blackhawks since being traded to the team in 2022. He was selected by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

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Connor Bedard responds to Petr Mrazek

Phillip Thompson also captured a candid moment with Canadian ice hockey player Connor Bedard. Thompson asked the Blackhawks star about getting grief from Petr Mrazek.

"Pretty tough. I'd be the same if Canada were to win," Bedard said. "I feel sad for all those guys on our team."

Bedard's response sheds light on the good-natured banter he received from Mrazek following the defeat.

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Highlights of Team Canada's 3-2 loss to Czechia

Team Canada erased a 2-0 deficit against Czechia at the World Junior Hockey Championship to force a tie in the quarterfinals. Despite dominating play in the final 40 minutes, Jakub Stancl's last-second goal shattered Canadian hopes, leading to a 3-2 defeat.

The loss, Canada's first to Czechia in the medal round, left captain Fraser Minten and teammates devastated. The game was a rematch of the previous year's gold-medal contest, where Canada triumphed. The Czechs, seeking revenge, advanced to the World Juniors semifinals.

Team Canada, missing key players, struggled throughout the tournament, finishing second in its group. The defeat left players, including Matthew Poitras, feeling they had let their country down.