By The Associated Press

PRAGUE, Czech Republic - Detroit Red Wings goaltender Dominik Hasek will return to the Czech Republic on Wednesday for groin surgery next week.

Hasek, 39, came out of retirement last year, but played only 14 games this season because of the groin injury.

Red Wings spokesman John Hahn said Tuesday that Hasek was flying home.

Hasek joined the Red Wings before the 2001-2002 season, led them to the Stanley Cup that season and retired soon after.

Before coming to Detroit, Hasek won two MVP awards and six Vezina Trophies, given to the league's top goalie, during a nine-year stint in Buffalo.

He led also led his home country to a gold medal in the 1998 Nagano Olympics.

18-UNDER TOURNAMENT: The United States advanced to the semifinals of the world championship at Belarus, beating Canada 2-1 on two third-period goals. The Americans (4-0-0) clinched first in Group A. Russia reached the semis by tying Slovakia 2-2 and winning Group B.