Hage’s Overtime Goal Lifts Canada Over Latvia in World Junior Hockey Championship Rematch
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Canada narrowly avoided a repeat of last year’s stunning upset, defeating Latvia 2-1 in overtime at the World Junior Hockey Championship on Saturday. Michael Hage, a first-round pick of the Montreal Canadiens, scored the decisive goal 44 seconds into the extra period, salvaging a victory for the Canadians after they relinquished a late lead.
A Year Removed from Ottawa Heartbreak
The victory offered a measure of redemption for a Canadian team still haunted by a shocking shootout loss to Latvia exactly 12 months prior in Ottawa – a result widely considered one of the biggest upsets in the tournament’s history. Goaltender Jack Ivankovic admitted he felt a sense of déjà vu, having “seen most of Saturday’s script play out exactly one year ago.”
Despite the lingering memories, Ivankovic remained composed, making 26 saves to anchor the Canadian defense. He leaned heavily on his University of Michigan teammate, Hage, who has consistently delivered for the NCAA’s top-ranked program. “Special player,” Ivankovic said of Hage. “When you give him time and space, the puck’s going to be in the net.”
Power Play Prowess Secures Victory
Hage’s game-winning goal came on a 4-on-3 power play, capitalizing on a late penalty to Latvia’s Roberts Naudins for delay of game. He buried a one-timer off a setup from Gavin McKenna, securing the win for Canada. Cole Reschny had previously put Canada on the board with a power-play goal at 2:22 of the second period, assisted by McKenna.
“It’s pretty cool,” Hage said, adding, “Happy I could help us get a win… glad I got pretty good wood on it.” McKenna, who finished with two assists, described the win as “a big relief off the shoulders.”
Latvia’s Resilient Effort Falls Short
Rudolfs Berzkalns scored the lone goal for Latvia, tying the game with just 1:58 remaining in regulation. Latvian goaltender Nils Maurins was outstanding, stopping 36 shots in a valiant effort.
Despite their strong showing, Latvia struggled to generate consistent offensive pressure against Canada’s structured defense. “They play a defensive structure,” explained Canadian head coach Dale Hunter. “Stayed back and made sure that we didn’t get odd-man rushes.”
Latvian head coach Artis Abols acknowledged the challenge of competing with Canada’s skill and speed. “You can’t play hockey that is as fast and skillful as Canada,” he stated. “If you have a gun with 10 bullets, you need to be smart.”
Addressing Past Missteps and Looking Ahead
The Canadian victory wasn’t without its shadow. Captain Porter Martone apologized for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty assessed during Friday’s game against Czechia, admitting his actions were “unacceptable” and set a “bad example.” Hockey Canada also issued an apology for failing to participate in the post-game handshake line following the same contest.
Looking forward, Canada will face Denmark on Monday before concluding Group B play against Finland on New Year’s Eve. Despite a “lacklustre” performance at times, as described by some observers, the team demonstrated resilience in overcoming a determined Latvian squad. As Ivankovic noted, “We all live to play hockey and be at this tournament. No one really was too focused on last year.”
