In an exciting match at the World Juniors, Michael Hage’s power play goal early in overtime secured a 2-1 victory for Canada over Latvia. The game took place on Saturday at the 3M Arena in Minneapolis, showcasing thrilling hockey action.
Key Highlights of the Match
- Michael Hage’s Winning Goal: Hage scored just 44 seconds into overtime on a 4-on-3 power play, assisted by Gavin McKenna.
- Other Canadian Goals: Cole Reschny opened the scoring for Canada in the second period.
- Outstanding Goaltending: Jack Ivankovic made 26 saves for Canada, while Latvia’s Nils Maurins blocked 36 shots.
- Latvian Response: Rudolfs Berzkalns equalized for Latvia late in the third period.
Match Overview
Canada led through a goal by Reschny, who capitalized on a major penalty against Latvia. Cole Reschny received a pass from McKenna and scored at 2:22 in the second period. However, the Latvians fought back, with Berzkalns finding the net with just under two minutes left in regulation.
The win marked a noteworthy revenge for Canada, who had faced Latvia in a stunning defeat the previous year. This victory also followed their win against Czechia in the tournament’s opener.
Upcoming Matches
Looking ahead, Canada will face Denmark on Monday. They will conclude their Group B campaign against Finland on New Year’s Eve.
Notable Incidents
- Porter Martone, the Canadian captain, apologized for unsportsmanlike conduct after a previous game.
- Hockey Canada issued an apology for not participating in the post-game handshake with Czech players, acknowledging the oversight.
With this victory, Canada remains poised for further success in the tournament. Their focus now shifts to their next opponents as they aim to secure a strong position in the competition.
