DON’T DISCOUNT SALE

Not far removed from having his maturity questioned, Seattle first-rounder Eduard Sale showed a steely resolve and leadership in helping Czechia to a bronze

BY RYAN KENNEDY

HEADING INTO THE 14TH round of the shootout, Czechia coach Patrik Augusta had a decision to make. The bronze medal was on the line against Sweden, and goals in the skills competition had been sparse. His captain, Eduard Sale, had just scored to keep Czechia’s hopes alive, and after a Swedish miss, one more Czech goal would do it. Augusta’s assistant coach, former NHLer Robert Reichel, had some experience here – it was Reichel’s shootout goal that stood as the eventual winner against Canada at the 1998 Olympics. So, for the fifth time in the shootout, they went with Sale, who lifted a backhander past Swedish goalie Marcus Gidlof to win the game. So, why go with Sale again? “I wanted him to be the hero,” Augusta said. “I thought he could…

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The Hockey News (Digital) - 1 Issue, Rookie Issue 2025

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