North Dakota’s Schmaltz helps U.S. past Czech Republic for World Juniors semifinal berth

North Dakota’s Nick Schmaltz scored a goal and added two assists, and Auston Matthews had a hat trick in the United States’ 7-0 win over the Czech Republic on Saturday in the quarterfinals of the World Junior Championship in Helsinki.

[scg_html_wjc2016]Alex Nedeljkovic stopped all 28 shots he faced for the Americans, who will play Russia in the semifinals on Monday.

Schmaltz was named the U.S. player of the game. Christian Dvorak, Scott Eansor and Alex DeBrincat also scored for the U.S.

“I’m really proud of the effort our players showed here tonight,” U.S. coach Ron Wilson said in a news release. “We had contributions from every line and all situations. I like where our team is at and we’re looking forward to the next game.”

Finland and Sweden advanced to the other semifinal. Boston University’s Brandon Hickey, a defenseman for Canada, did not score and was minus-2 in the Canadians’ 6-5 loss to Finland.