Eriks Mateiko scored the only goal of the penalty shootout, allowing Latvia to surprise an uninspired Canada (3-2) at the World Junior Hockey Championship on Friday.
Posted at 10:59 p.m.
Joshua clipperton
The Canadian Press
The striker set up his country’s eighth shot before scoring a goal and registering one of the biggest upsets in the history of the tournament.
Mateiko and Peteris Bulans scored in regulation time for the hard-working Latvians in their first match of the 10-team tournament in the Canadian capital. Linards Feldbergs stopped 54 shots in 65 minutes. Bruno Osmanis collected two assists.
Calum Ritchie and Jett Luchanko responded for the tournament hosts, who are coming off a disappointing fifth place last year in Sweden. Jack Ivankovic made 24 saves.
Canada, which is aiming for its 20e gold medal, entered with a 4-0 record and a combined 41-4 scoreboard advantage against Latvia in this competition, including a 10-0 victory about 12 months ago .
