The hockey world was stunned on December 27th, 2024, when Latvia pulled off a shocking upset at the IIHF World Junior Championship, defeating Canada 3-2 in an eight-round shootout.
Latvia has lost their previous four matchups against Canada at the World Juniors, with a combined score of 41-4, including a crushing 10-1 defeat last year. This victory marks a satisfying underdog story for more than just Latvian fans, but hockey fans worldwide.
Although Latvia came up short against Sweden on January 2nd in a narrow 3-2 defeat, eliminating them from the tournament, their triumphant victory over Canada still remains a hot topic. Latvia had the youngest team competing in the 10-nation tournament, with an average age of 18.04 including 4 16-year-olds. In contrast, Canada had an average age of 18.52 and a minimum age of 17.
“In one hockey game, everything’s possible.”
-Artis Abols; Latvia’s head coach
The game-winning shootout goal came from Washington Capitals prospect, Eriks Mateiko after the previous 15 shooters failed to score. Mateiko has been a standout player with the Saint John Sea Dogs in the QMJHL since 2022, where he has tallied an impressive 98 goals across 134 games played. In September of 2024, he signed a 3-year contract with the Washington Capitals.
Latvian coach Karlis Zirnis expressed the magnitude of the moment, “I don’t really think I can put into words what we felt after beating Canada.” “It was a feeling that this is why we coach and what the players play for, the moments like this. You can’t get this feeling anywhere else.” The win was shocking to the fans, players, and coaches alike.
So, what went wrong for Team Canada? Early in the first period, defenseman Matthew Schaefer left the game due to injury, weakening Canada's defense. Offensively, Canada focused primarily on perimeter shooting instead of attacking the middle of the ice. Latvia’s commitment to shot-blocking and the stellar performance of goaltender, Linards Feldbergs, proved decisive. Feldbergs made his job look easy, blocking an astonishing 55 of the 57 shots on goal, leaving few opportunities for rebounds.
Perhaps Canada underestimated Latvia, given their dominant track record in previous matchups. This story is proof that we should never underestimate the power of a young team with something to prove.
Edited by Madeleine Meneguzzi
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