World’s Check-In: Alscher scores for Czechia; Tkachuk makes debut with USA

The Florida Panthers made more headlines in Switzerland on Wednesday.

First, it was a rookie making his mark on the international stage.

Helping lead Czechia to a 3-1 lead over Italy at the 2026 IIHF World Championship, Marek Alscher scored a key goal early in the third period.

With his team trailing 1-0, the 22-year-old defenseman went to the net and scored a pinball-type goal to make it 1-1.

From there, Czechia went on to tack on two more goals to take down Italy and improve to 3-0-1 at the tournament.

Through four games, Alscher has one goal, eight shots on goal and boasts a +2 plus/minus rating.

Making his NHL debut with the Panthers at the end of this NHL season, Alscher recorded three assists in four games with Florida.

TKACHUK HITS THE ICE

The eagle has landed.

After missing the first three games of the World Championship, Matthew Tkachuk suited up for the United States during a thrilling 4-3 shootout win over Germany.

Diving headfirst into the action, Tkachuk led USA’s forwards with 23:10 of ice time.

Back and better than ever after undergoing offseason surgery to repair a torn adductor muscle and sports hernia in August, Tkachuk led the Panthers in scoring to close out this season with 34 points (13G, 21A) in 31 games after returning to action in January.

With a pair of Stanley Cups and a 2026 Olympic gold medal already in his trophy case, Tkachuk can become the first-ever American to join the exclusive “Triple Gold Club” if the United States can find a way to come out on top at the World Championship.

With three games left to play in the group stage, Tkachuk and the United States currently sit fourth in Group A with a 1-1-0-2 record.

The top-four teams in each group will advance to the quarterfinals.

For more information and a full schedule of the World Championship, click HERE.