Hockey: Hnilicka suffering back problems ahead of quarterfinal

Ice hockey goaltender Milan Hnilicka did not take part in a practice session on Wednesday following a back muscle pull during a qualifying match against the United States at the Ice Hockey World Championship in Riga. Despite losing 3:1 on Tuesday the Czechs qualified for the knock-out round. They next face Russia. Hnilicka has said that he hopes to be ready for the game which takes place on Thursday. If not, the post in goal will be taken by back-up Adam Svoboda.

Author: Jan Velinger