Latvia pulled off a stunning victory against Canada in a shootout during the preliminary round of the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in Ottawa on Friday. The unexpected win left the local crowd in disbelief. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press)
Latvia shocked the hockey world with a thrilling 3-2 shootout win over Canada at the World Junior Hockey Championship on Friday. Eriks Mateiko scored the lone goal of the shootout, capping a historic upset for the underdog Latvians.
Mateiko and Peteris Bulans found the net in regulation, while goalie Linards Feldbergs was a wall, making 54 saves in a game that showcased Latvia’s grit. Bruno Osmanis contributed two assists, helping Latvia take down a Canadian team that had dominated them in past matchups.
Canada, which had a perfect 4-0 record against Latvia entering the game, seemed out of sync. Calum Ritchie and Jett Luchanko scored for the hosts, but their efforts fell short. Goalie Jack Ivankovic, just 17 years old, stopped 24 shots in a performance that highlighted his potential despite the loss.
The game began with Canada aiming for its 20th gold medal and carrying the weight of a dominant 41-4 record over Latvia. However, an uncharacteristically shaky start led to a tied game after three periods. Latvia’s relentless energy was on display as they capitalized on a power-play opportunity late in regulation to force overtime.
Canada’s Ethan Gauthier received a hooking penalty late in the third, allowing Bulans to tie the game with just over two minutes remaining. Despite a penalty for too many players during the 3-on-3 overtime, Canada managed to hold off Latvia, forcing a shootout. However, the energy and precision from the Latvian side proved too much in the end.
Ivankovic, the third 17-year-old goaltender in Canadian world junior history, started the game after Carter George’s strong performance in a win over Finland the previous day. Ivankovic’s efforts highlighted his potential, though his team failed to support him adequately.
Canada’s coaching staff, led by Dave Cameron, entered the tournament with high hopes, emphasizing better preparation after last year’s disappointing fifth-place finish. They implemented a summer camp and a full-time scouting program, leaving no room for excuses. But on Friday, the team’s lack of cohesion and inability to penetrate Latvia’s defence painted a grim picture.
In the second period, Luchanko briefly gave Canada a lead with a shorthanded goal, but the team struggled on power plays, going 0-for-6 overall. Cameron openly criticized the players’ lack of aggression and inability to dominate the centre of the ice, which has become a troubling pattern.
An injury to star defenceman Matthew Schaefer further complicated the evening. Schaefer, projected as a top pick in the 2025 NHL draft, left the game after crashing into the Latvian net.
Latvia’s resilience and determination earned them a historic victory, leaving Canada searching for answers. Canada now prepares to face Germany on Sunday, while Latvia takes on the U.S.
