Team Latvia earned only their third-ever World Juniors victory on Friday night, and it inexplicably came against Team Canada, the tournament’s host. The upset is one of the biggest in tournament history, and it was Latvia’s first-ever win against Canada at the under-20 tournament.
Washington Capitals prospect Eriks Mateiko played a leading role in the 3-2 win, scoring Latvia’s first goal and netting the game-winning tally in the eighth round of the shootout after no one else scored. Mateiko, a third-round selection of the Capitals in the 2024 NHL Draft, is one of only two drafted prospects on the entirety of Latvia’s roster.
Mateiko’s goal in regulation came with just 6:42 left in the third period and Latvia on a power play down 1-0. The big winger found a soft spot in the slot and finished a deft pass from Bruno Osmanis into a practically empty net.
Canada responded just 1:04 later through a Calum Ritchie strike to retake the lead, seemingly sealing a too-close-for-comfort Group A win. But, Latvia drew another late penalty and forced overtime with a one-time blast from Peteris Bulans. Mateiko set the screen in front of goaltender Jack Ivankovic.
The stunned Canadian Tire Centre crowd then sat through a scare in overtime as Latvia was put on another power play after the Canadians were called for too many men on the ice. However, the Latvians couldn’t convert for a third time, and the game headed to a deciding shootout.
After 15 straight shooters were stopped by Ivankovic and Latvian netminder Linards Feldbergs, Mateiko stepped up to win the game with his second attempt in the shootout.
The Latvian players exploded in celebration after the puck hit the back of the net, mobbing both Mateiko and Feldbergs.
Feldbergs made 63 saves in the game when you include his stops in overtime and the shootout. The 19-year-old goalie was named Latvia’s player of the game during the customary postgame ceremony.
Canada managed just two goals against Latvia and could not score on their eight shootout attempts. Head coach Dave Cameron chose to leave highly skilled players like Capitals prospect Andrew Cristall behind for this tournament in favor of a bigger, more physical team, and he seemingly paid the price for that on Friday night.
Mateiko and Latvia will be back at it on Saturday as they take on Team USA in more Group A play. Canada will have Saturday off and then play Germany on Sunday.
