Moments after former Penticton Vees forward Bradly Nadeau appeared to play hero for Canada, his journey at the world juniors came to a stunning end.

Canada crashed out of the 2025 World Junior Hockey Championships on Jan. 2 with a 4-3 quarterfinals loss to Czechia.

Nadeau, who led the Vees to back-to-back Fred Page Cup titles in 2022 and 2023, scored the game-tying goal late in the third period to send the Ottawa crowd into a frenzy.

His marker stood for just 3:48, however, as Czechia's Adam Jecho silenced the nation's capital with a power play goal to help send his team to the tournament's semifinals.

Nadeau finished the world juniors with two goals in five games, after also finding the back of the net against the United States on New Year's Eve.

The Penticton BCHL graduate was joined at the tournament by current Vees forward Simon Meier, who registered one goal in five games for Switzerland.

It marked the second year in a row Meier played at the world juniors for Switzerland, which was thumped 7-2 by the U.S. in the quarterfinals and like Canada, eliminated on Jan. 2.

In 26 games with the Vees this season, the 19-year-old has four goals and 16 points.

Penticton is back in action at home this weekend as it hosts the Sherwood Park Crusaders and Trail Smoke Eaters in succession on Jan. 3 and 4.