In a dramatic and tense rematch, Canada's national junior hockey team exorcised a ghost from its past, edging Latvia 2-1 in overtime at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship in Minneapolis on Saturday, December 27.
A Ghost from Ottawa Laid to Rest
The date carried heavy significance for Hockey Canada. Exactly one year prior, on December 27, 2024, Latvia stunned the host Canadians with a 3-2 shootout victory in Ottawa. This time, with goaltender Jack Ivankovic back in the starter's crease, the result was different, though the path was perilously similar. Ivankovic made 26 saves to backstop the win.
A Game of Momentum Swings
The contest was a defensive struggle marked by key special teams moments. After a slow start that saw Canada manage only three shots in the first ten minutes, the game turned on a major penalty. Latvia's Martins Klaucens was assessed a five-minute major for a check to the head of Canadian defenceman Zayne Parekh in the second period. Cole Reschny capitalized quickly on the ensuing power play, giving Canada a 1-0 lead.
However, the Canadian power play stalled after that, failing to extend the advantage. The pendulum swung back when Canada's Ben Danford took a four-minute high-sticking penalty, but a strong penalty kill preserved the slim lead heading into the third period.
Late Drama Forces Overtime
Despite controlling play territorially in the final frame, Canada could not find an insurance goal. That opened the door for Latvia's Rudolfs Berzkalns, who pounced on a net-front scramble to tie the game with just 1:58 remaining in regulation, sending shockwaves through the arena.
Overtime, however, belonged to Canada. With Latvia's Markuss Sieradzkis in the penalty box, Michael Hage became the hero, scoring on the power play to secure the 2-1 victory and two crucial points for Canada in the tournament standings.
Areas for Improvement
The win, while vital, highlighted areas of concern for the Canadian squad. For the second consecutive game, the team failed to establish an early commanding presence. Defensive miscues, including several risky turnovers from the blueline, kept Latvia in the game. Defenceman Harrison Brunicke had a particularly challenging night, with one errant clearing attempt directly leading to a first-period scoring chance for Latvia that was ultimately waved off for a distinct kicking motion.
The victory allows Canada to move forward in the tournament, but the narrow escape against a determined Latvian team serves as a clear reminder that no opponent can be taken lightly at the World Juniors.
