Slovakia Ends U.S. Bid for World Hockey Title

The United States’ unbeaten streak at the World Hockey Championships ended Thursday with a 4-1 loss to Slovakia in the quarterfinals.

In other games, Canada defeated Switzerland, 5-3; defending champion Czech Republic beat Latvia, 3-1; and Finland downed Sweden, 2-1. In the semifinals, Finland faces Slovakia and Canada plays the Czech Republic.

This was the first time Slovakia had beaten the United States at the world championships, and it put the team in the semifinals for the first time.

The Americans had entered the game with a 4-0-2 record after defeating hockey powers Russia and Sweden.