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From 4-7 June 1998, Litoměřice hosted the national ball hockey teams of the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Canada, the USA, Austria, Germany, Switzerland and Hungary. They were divided into two groups. Group A consisted of the Central European countries, namely the Czechs, Slovaks, Hungarians and Austrians. Group B included the Canadians, Americans, Germans and Swiss. The top two teams from each group advanced to the semiy advanced to the semi-finals.
The hosts Czechs got off to a fast start by routing Austria 9-1 in the opening game. They then defeated Hungary before falling 4-0 to unbeaten Slovakia, who topped Group A, with the Czechs taking the second spot. Advancing from Group B were first-place Canada the second-place USA.
In the first semi-final, the Czechs out-played Canada and won 5-2. In the later game, the Slovaks beat the Americans weigh forces with the US, joy finally broke out in the camp 5-1. In the all-North-American battle for third place, Canada beat the USA 5-2 setting the stage for the Czecho-Slovakian derby to determine the gold medal. Having won the first gold medal and the meeting between the two teams in the group stage, the Slovaks were favoured, but the Czechs earned a surprising 3-1 victory, to the delight of the home fans.
Final tournament standings
1. Czech Republic
2. Slovakia
3. Canada
4. USA
5. Austria
6. Germany
7. Switzerland
8. Hungary
Championship team (Czech Republic)
Goaltenders: Salfický, Lucák, Vorel
Defencemen: Vršanský, Malinský, Jůn, Beseda, Háva, Pavlík
Forwards: Hossinger, Čaloun, Král, Vlach, Mašík, Ptáček, Kameš, Vorel, Kormunda, Kaňkovský, Kurz, Hart, Kejmar.
Coaches: M. Pek, L. Rak
