Czechia Rallies Past Switzerland in Shootout Thriller

The Lionesses earned their first victory of the Women’s Euro Hockey Tour in Kloten on Thursday, clawing back from an early deficit to defeat host Switzerland 4–3 in a shootout. The game began with a stumble. Switzerland pounced first when Nicole Vallario’s lofted shot found its way through traffic and over Klára Peslarová’s shoulder. Minutes later, Laura Stalder doubled the lead on a clean two-on-one rush. Czechia suddenly trailed 0–2.

Then came the spark. Soon to be Boston University freshman Anežka Čabelová, carved into open space between the circles and rifled home her first ever senior goal. The strike was as pretty as it was symbolic: a young forward announcing herself on the biggest stage. We were jumping off the couch in excitement watching.

Switzerland restored their two-goal advantage on the power play through Alina Müller, but Czechia answered just before the second intermission. Kristýna Kaltounková, the PWHL’s number one overall draft pick, sliced through defenders with a brilliant solo effort and beat the Swiss goaltender glove-side. It was a moment that shifted momentum back. Czechia carried that surge straight into the third period. Only 34 seconds in, Michaela Pejzlová intercepted a wayward Swiss pass, turned, and lasered a shot into the top corner. 3-3. The remainder of regulation and overtime brought no further scoring, setting the stage for a shootout showcase. Kaltounková didn’t disappoint. She struck first with a confident finish, then sealed the win in round six with a filthy behind-the-legs move that brought Czech fans to their feet. Two attempts, two goals, and the victory was secured.

But the story of the night extended beyond the scoresheet, despite the game being closer than was originally expected or intended. Čabelová played with energy and confidence throughout the game and it was noticeable. Fifteen-year-old Adéla Šrámková flashed dazzling moves that hinted at the bright future waiting in the pipeline (seriously, she had some nasty toe-drags, one in particular on the blueline to maintain possession in the offensive zone). The line of Tereza Vanišová and Natálie Mlýnková buzzed constantly, generating chances with speed and chemistry. And on the back end, Sara Čajanová stood tall, joining the rush at smart moments and remaining one of the steadiest defenders in a game that tested Czechia’s blue line (she was one of our favorites to watch tonight).

Peslarová, usually the rock in net, had an uneven outing by her own high standards, surrendering a few uncharacteristic goals, but her composure helped steady the group as the offense clawed back. Importantly, Czechia showed more physical engagement without piling up unnecessary penalties, though another power-play goal against showed that penalty killing remains a work in progress.

In the end, the Lionesses proved resilient. They absorbed early blows, leaned on emerging talents, and found a game-breaker in Kaltounková. Next up: Sweden awaits tomorrow in the final game of the Swiss stop of the Euro Hockey Tour.