UFA, Russia — The United States beat the Czech Republic 7-0 to reach the semifinals of the world junior ice hockey championship Wednesday. John Gaudreau had a hat trick and Riley Barber scored twice as the Americans set up a semifinal with Canada at Ufa Arena Thursday. Sweden awaited the winner of the other quarterfinal between Russia and Switzerland. Gaudreau scored a lone goal in the first period, and doubled the lead on a power play just 28 seconds into the second period. Ryan Hartman made it 3-0 40 seconds later. Barber scored twice and Gaudreau, unmarked at the right, had his third goal on a power play at 39:47. — AP