Servac Petrovsky scored two goals and an assist as Slovakia beat the Czech Republic 6-2 on Tuesday to open the World Junior Championships.

Dominik Rymon scored the first goal for the Czechs in the first period, but Petrovsky equalized in the second period, then Peter Repcik gave Slovakia the lead, which never trailed again after that.

Samuel Honzek and Maxim Strbak each scored a goal and an assist, while Boris Zabka also scored for Slovakia. Montreal Canadiens junior Filip Mesar had two assists while Adam Gajan made 27 saves.

Matyas Sapovaliv was the other goalscorer for the Czech Republic. Michael Hrabal stopped 28 shots.

Slovakia successfully defended five penalty kicks and scored two goals in the power play. She has not won a medal at the Junior World Championships since 2015, when she won bronze in Montreal.

The Czech Republic won silver in Halifax last year, ending a medal drought that stretched back to 2005.

The USA is also off to a good start

Gavin Brindley scored two goals as the USA defeated Norway 4-1.

Jimmy Snuggerud and Isaac Howard also scored for the Americans. Montreal Canadiens junior Lane Hutson had one assist while Trey Augustine made 22 saves.

Petter Vesterheim replied for Norway. Markus Stensrud stopped 40 shots.

The U.S. won bronze in Halifax last year. Her last gold victory dates back to 2021.

Sweden without pity

The host team started the tournament strongly with a 6-0 win over Latvia.

Filip Bystedt scored two goals in the win.

Anton Wahlberg and Bystedt scored on power plays in the first third.

Jonathan Lekkerimaki brought the score to 12:45 in the second period with his first of two goals. Felix Unger Sorum also hit the goal.

The Swede Elias Salomonsson received a five-minute penalty and was sent off after just 25 seconds of play for a check from behind against the boards.

Hugo Havelid stopped 20 shots for the shutout, while Deivs Rolovs blocked 29 pucks for Latvia.

Latvia will be Canada's opponent on Thursday.

To watch in the video