Historic victory for Latvia at the U-20 World Championship

Latvia - Canada 3-2 SO

Both teams showed restraint in a tightly contested opening frame. Despite 21 combined shots (Latvia 9, Canada 12), neither team found the back of the net, with goalies Linards Feldbergs and Jack Ivankovic standing firm.

The game tilted in Canada’s favor as Jett Luchanko opened the scoring with a shorthanded goal at 23:28, capitalizing on a Latvian defensive misstep. Feldbergs was the star of the period, making 20 saves to keep Latvia within striking distance despite Canada’s relentless pressure (shot total: Latvia 4, Canada 21).

The Latvians surged back in the third period, fueled by their power-play unit. Ēriks Mateiko equalized at 53:18 after a pinpoint pass from Bruno Osmanis. However, Canada responded just over a minute later with a power-play goal by Calum Ritchie, assisted by Easton Cowan and Cole Beaudoin.

With time winding down, Latvia’s captain Pēteris Bulāns tied the game at 57:31, blasting a shot past Ivankovic during another power play. Assisted by Dāvids Livšics and Bruno Osmanis, Bulāns ensured the game extended into overtime.

After a goalless overtime, the game headed to a dramatic shootout. Both teams struggled to score in the first seven rounds, with Feldbergs proving unbeatable. In the eighth round, Ēriks Mateiko sealed the win with a precise shot to the right post, sparking wild celebrations.

Tweets by @eurohockey