Eriks Mateiko scored the only goal of an eight-round shootout as Latvia upset Canada 3-2 at the World Junior Hockey Championship Friday night. This remarkable game showcased Latvia's resilience, coming back from both 1-0 and 2-1 deficits to secure their first victory over Canada at the World Juniors, marking a historic moment for the European squad.
The game, held at Canadian Tire Centre, began without any goals during the first period, where Canada outshot Latvia 12-9. The scoreless tie was broken by Canada’s Jett Luchanko, who netted the first goal of the game shorthanded at 3:28 of the second period. The Canadian crowd erupted as Luchanko intercepted the puck near his blue line, skillfully skated alone to the Latvian net, and faked the goalie to score.
Latvia found their footing later, pushing hard to gain momentum. The turning point came with just 6:42 left on the clock in the third period when Mateiko tied the game with a power-play goal. The third-round pick of the Washington Capitals managed to thread the puck past Canadian goalie Jack Ivankovic.
Canada quickly responded 1:04 later with Calum Ritchie's goal. Ritchie capitalized on another power play to shoot one past Latvian goaltender Linards Feldbergs, making it 2-1 for Canada with just 5:37 remaining.
But Latvia wasn’t done. Just as the game seemed sealed for Canada, Peteris Bulans tied it yet again with another power-play goal only 2:29 before the final buzzer, forcing the game to overtime. This tenacity and skill left spectators on the edge of their seats as the match progressed to extra time.
During overtime, both teams exchanged chances, with Canada holding significant possession. Feldbergs stood tall, stopping every shot thrown at him, including eight attempts during the added time. He ended the game with 54 saves, showcasing remarkable reflexes and endurance under pressure.
The shootout decided the winner after both teams battled through multiple rounds. After the first 15 shooters failed to score, it was Mateiko who stepped up to take the fateful shot. He skillfully skated toward the net and fired past Ivankovic to seal the incredible upset for Latvia. “It was one of the biggest upsets in tournament history,” asserted observers, highlighting the magnitude of Latvia's win.
Feldbergs was awarded player of the game for his outstanding performance. The 19-year-old goalie’s previous experience against Canada—in which he conceded seven goals—fueled his motivation to perform this time around. According to reports, he stated, “I wanted to help my team grab this historic victory. We’ve worked so hard, and today we showed we can compete with anyone.”
For Canada, the loss stung as they faced heavy criticism for their uninspired play, especially following last year's disappointing fifth-place finish. The absence of star defenceman Matthew Schaefer, who left the game due to injury early on, added to their struggles. The 17-year-old was heavily weighed down by expectations as the potential first overall pick for the 2025 NHL Draft.
With this upset, Latvia not only gained confidence but also created momentum heading toward their subsequent game against the reigning tournament champions, Team USA. Coach and players alike recognized the potential shift this victory could instigate for their future matches. “The win gives us so much energy going forward,” Mateiko noted.
The historical significance of Latvia's victory extends beyond the game itself, marking their first-ever win against Canada at the World Juniors after losing all previous encounters with a staggering 44-4 scoreline. The match was not just another game; it was about belittling past odds and announcing their arrival on the world stage.
Moving forward, Latvia, with their youngest team averaging just over 18 years old, seemed well-prepared for the media spotlight and the challenges to come. With their underdog victory, they affirmed their status as competitors, ready for future matchups at this prestigious tournament. Their successful strategy against Canada will certainly fuel hopes for the quarterfinal round.
Latvia’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Canada surely sent waves through the tournament, leaving hopes high and fans excited for what’s to come. The hockey world is now witnessing the rise of Latvia as they continue their quest for success on the ice.
