Latvia’s historic feat against Canada at the 2025 World Junior Championship

Group A: Surprises and revenges mark the day

Latvia’s feat against Canada
Latvia created the event at the 2025 World Junior Championship by beating Canada 3-2 after an epic penalty shootout, concluded in eight rounds. In Ottawa, Eriks Mateiko scored the decisive shot, but the performance of goalkeeper Linards Feldbergs, author of 55 saves and perfect in penalties, was decisive. This historic victory marks Latvia’s first success against Canada in this tournament.

Despite a clear initial domination by the Canadians, Latvia was able to respond, notably thanks to its numerical advantage. Peteris Bulans equalized late in the third period, demonstrating remarkable tactical discipline. This result is all the more surprising as the Latvians have several young players born in 2008, facing a more experienced Canadian team, but deprived of certain executives left aside before the competition. The choice is vast in Canada!

Canada, victorious over Finland in its first match, will have to bounce back against Germany. Latvia, for its part, will look for a new feat against the United States, another favorite of the competition.

Finland revives against Germany
A year after a defeat against Germany in the finals, Finland took revenge by winning 3-1. This victory balances the Finns’ record in Group A (1-1), while Germany suffers its second defeat (0-2).

The Finns dominated from the first third, opening the score at 17’30 thanks to a powerful shot from Emil Pieniniemi, served by captain Aron Kiviharju. German goalkeeper Linus Vieillard, impressive in his debut at the highest level, saved 40 shots.

At the start of the second period, a superb team play allowed Arttu Alasiurua to double the lead. Germany reduced the deficit shortly after, Clemens Sager scoring from a pass from Julius Sumpf. The Germans, despite a great opportunity at the end of the match, were unable to equalize. Finland will face the United States on Sunday, while Germany will face Canada.

Group B: Swedish domination and first Slovak success

Sweden crushes Kazakhstan
Sweden confirms its favorite status by outclassing Kazakhstan 8-1, and remaining undefeated at the top of Group B after two matches. From the first third, the Swedes scored five goals at 5 against 5, highlighting the technical gap with the Kazakhs, recently promoted to the elite. The Swedes also largely dominated in terms of shots (52-16).

Anton Wahlberg shone with four points, in a collective offensive performance where more than half of the players scored. Victor Eklund, possible hope for the top 10 of the 2025 NHL draft, opened the scoring by deflecting a shot from Tom Willander. Three more goals followed in less than five minutes, from Edström, Eriksson and Nilsson, before Wahlberg closed out the first period with a fifth goal.

Kazakhstan saved the honor thanks to Artur Gross at the end of the second period, but could not compete. Sweden, which will face Switzerland on Sunday, displays historic domination against Kazakhstan with eight consecutive victories in this competition.

Slovakia wins against Switzerland
Slovakia secured a valuable victory by beating Switzerland 2-1 thanks to a goal from Jan Chovan at the very end of the match. This success allows the Slovaks to take a slight historical advantage against their opponent (8 victories, 1 draw, 7 defeats).

The match was competitive and balanced, with 29 shots on each side. The Slovaks opened the scoring at the end of the first period thanks to a deflected shot from Daniel Jencko. Switzerland equalized in the second period, with Eric Schneller scoring after coming out of the penalty box. The Swiss’ efforts at the end of the match, notably by removing their goalkeeper for an additional attacker, were in vain.

The Swiss will face Sweden on Sunday, while Slovakia will face the Czech Republic in an anticipated duel between neighbors.

Group A classification:

Group B classification: