Thomas helps lead Canada to pre-tournament rout of Czechs

Robert Thomas has enjoyed several standout performances in London this season.

This one, though, was for country.

The London Knights’ captain racked up a goal and four points to spark Canada to a runaway 9-0 victory over Czech Republic in their first world junior tune-up before 9,036 Wednesday at Budweiser Gardens.

The home ice helped.

Thomas, the Blues first-rounder, was dangerous early and so was fellow Knight Alex Formenton. His speed and dogged forechecking created a headache for the Czechs.

The Senators prospect had the game’s first good scoring chance and drew two assists, including one on Canada’s opening goal.

Victor Mete, who graduated from the Knights to play 27 games for the Montreal Canadiens this year, showed up his usual high-tempo game at the back end. The 19-yearold defenceman also fired a wrist shot off the Czech cross bar late in the second.

He believes he will be at his best when it matters most.

“It’s a little different because I haven’t played in a while,” said Mete, who won’t find out until tournament end if he will return to Montreal or join London. “The speed of it is a lit- tle tricky to get used to, but hope- fully, I’ll be ready to go.”

Canada coach Dominique Ducharme hopes the emotional connection to their London roots will get the three Knights rolling for an inspired two-and-a-half weeks of hockey in Buffalo.

“For Mete, coming back is really special for him,” Ducharme said. “Coming back home and playing in front of your crowd, in your locker room with the people you know around you — but we’re just looking at the overall (of the team). Those guys want to jump in and make sure they’re ready to go when the tournament starts (Boxing Day against the Finns).

“That’s our main thing.”

Thomas and Formenton are two of only three 18-year-olds Canada will carry on its roster. Their performance is a welcome jolt of confidence for the trials to come.