The 2026 World Junior Classic has brought chaos in every match, but in the match between Canada and Latvia, the tension was high the whole way through.
The contest started out slow with both teams getting shots on goal early. Latvia took the early lead but the goal was called back due to the puck being kicked in by Sieradzkis.
After the goal was called back, Canada took a one goal lead courtesy of Cole Reschny early in the second period. Canada would on to the one-goal lead until the final two minutes of regulation when Rudolfs Berzkalns knocked the puck in for Latvia.
As the two teams headed in to overtime, the clock didn’t have to run long as Michael Hage pulled off a huge clutch goal to seal the victory for Canada.
Reschny and Hage were the leading scores for Canada with one goal each. Gavin Mckenna, Harrison Brunicke and Zayne Parekh each had one assist.
For Latvia, Rudolfs Berzkalns was the leading scorer with one goal. Krisjanis Sarts and Dmitrijs Dilevka each had one assist.
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Canada Goal! Team Canada Seals Overtime Win! OT – 60:44Latvia 1, Canada 2
Well that didn’t take long! Just after overtime started for the two teams, Canada put this game away!
Michael Hage comes up with the huge goal to secure the Team Canada win! Hage is assisted by Gavin McKenna and Zayne Parekh.
MICHAEL HAGE IS THE OVERTIME HERO FOR CANADA! WHAT A GOAL! 🤯 #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/hEknZN1q92
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 28, 2025Start of Overtime! OT- 60:00Latvia 1, Canada 1
Here we go hockey fans! It’s overtime! Who will get this win? Let’s find out!
End of Regulation! 3rd Period – 60:00Latvia 1, Canada 1
The end of regulation is here! Canada and Latvia will head to overtime!
Penalty For Latvia! 3rd Period – 59:08Latvia 1, Canada 1
Shortly after the game has been all tied up, Latvia is awarded two more penalty minutes.
Roberts Naudins will get two minutes for delay of game!
Latvia On The Board! 3rd Period – 58:02Latvia 1, Canada 1
Latvia is finally on the board! Rudolfs Berzkalns scores for Latvia!
Berzkalns is assisted by Krisjanis Sarts and Dmitrijs Dilevka.
🚨🚨🚨Latvia’s Rudolphs Berzkalns ties it up 1-1 against Canada with only 1:58 to go!!@USHL | @MuskegonJacks
— FloHockey (@FloHockey) December 28, 2025Nils Robert Maurins Is A BEAST! 3rd PeriodLatvia 0, Canada 1
In what has been a relatively quiet third period, Nils Robert Maurins has been putting on an absolute clinic in net for Latvia. Check it out!
Latvia’s Nils Roberts Maurins is putting on a show in net! 🔒 #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/EDKQblZ8rj
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 28, 2025Shots On Goal Update! 3rd PeriodLatvia 0, Canada 1
As Canada still leads this contest by one goal, the shots on goal margin has shrank. Canada still leads the shots on goal numbers, 30-26, over Latvia.
Start Third Period! 3rd Period – 40:00Latvia 0, Canada 1
The start of the third period is finally here! Canada still leads by one!
End Second Period! 2nd Period – 40:00Latvia 0, Canada 1
The end of the second period is here! As the teams head to intermission, Canada still leads by one goal.
Two More Penalty Minutes For Canada! 2nd Period – 30:06Latvia 0, Canada 1
As Canada still leads by one goal, Ben Danford picks up a two-minute penalty for high sticking.
Ouch😭 Ben Danford to the box, Latvia on the power play! #WorldJuniors
— FloHockey (@FloHockey) December 27, 2025Canada Strikes First On Power Play Goal! 2nd Period – 22:22Latvia 0, Canada 1
Team Canada is on the board first in the second period!
Cole Reschny scores on the power play. He is assisted by Gavin McKenna and Harrison Brunicke.
Cole Reschny puts up a tally for the maple leaf!🇨🇦@UNDmhockey
— FloHockey (@FloHockey) December 27, 2025Major Penalty For Latvia! 2nd Period – 21:43Latvia 0, Canada 0
The start of the second period has seen some drama early.
Martins Klaucans picks up five-minutes for an illegal check to head or neck.
Latvia is handed a five-minute penalty after Martins Klaucans delivered a check to the head of Zayne Parekh. Was this the right call? 🤔 #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/VRVq7ox7BW
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 27, 2025Start Period 2! 2nd Period – 20:00Latvia 0, Canada 0
The second period is underway! It still is scoreless in this game!
Final Score Update | Slovakia vs. Germany
As time expired in the ongoing game on Dec. 27, Slovakia defeated Germany, 4-1.
End 1st Period – 20:00Latvia 0, Canada 0
The end of the first period still sees this one scoreless.
Canada now leads the shots on goal race, 11-7.
Latvia Picks Up Penalty! 1st Period – 16:06Latvia 0, Canada 0
Latvia picks up its first penalty minutes of the game. Daniel Serkins will serve two minutes for holding.
Shots On Goal!Latvia 0, Canda 0
As the first period comes closer to the end, Latvia leads shots on goal, currently besting Canada 7-4.
Latvia Scores & It’s Called Back! 1st Period – 14:10 Latvia 0, Canado 0
It was almost a one-score lead for Latvia as Markuss Sieradzkis got the puck in the goal. After further review, the puck was ruled to be kicked in and the goal was called back.
It remains a 0-0 game for Canada and Latvia! #WorldJuniors
— FloHockey (@FloHockey) December 27, 20252 Minute Penalty For Canada! 1st Period – 4:10 Latvia 0, Canada 0
The first penalty minutes of this game are dished out. Jett Luchanko will get two penalty minutes for holding.
Luchanko earns Canada their first penalty of the game early in the first frame. #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/8LWAdz4ifF
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 27, 2025Puck Drop! 1st Period – 0:00
Puck drop is officially here and the first period is underway!
Jack Ivankovic is in net for Canada.
Nils Maurins is in net for Latvia
15 Minutes To Puck Drop!
Just 15 minutes to go until puck drop! Get excited hockey fans, this is a match you don’t want to miss!
Score Update: Slovakia vs. Germany
With just 30 minutes left until puck drop for Canada and Latvia, here is a score update for Slovakia and Germany as they square off on the ice.
Tomas Chrenko completes the hat trick to give Slovakia the 3-0 lead to head in to the third period!
IT’S A NATURAL HAT-TRICK FOR TOMAS CHRENKO! 🎩
Slovakia leads 3-0 over Gemany. #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/O0n5V514EK
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 27, 2025Canada Starting Lineup
Goalkeepers
1, Jack Ivankovic31, Joshua Ravensbergen
Defensemen
2, Kashawn Aitcheson4, Harrison Brunicke5, Carson Carels10, Cameron Reid13, Ethan MacKenzie14, Ben Danford19, Zayne Parekh
Forwards
7, Michael Misa8, Braeden Cootes9, Gavin McKenna11, Tij Iginla17, Jett Luchanko21, Cole Reschny22, Porter Martone23, Sam O’Reilly24, Liam Greentree25, Caleb Desnoyers26, Cole Beaudoin28, Brady Martin29, Michael HageLatvia Starting Lineup
Goalkeepers
1, Mikus Vecvanags30, Nils Maurins
Defensemen
2, Krisjanis Sarts6, Martins Vitols10, Harijs Cjunskis15, Darels Uljanskis21, Krists Retenais23, Alberts Smits26, Oskars Briedis
Forwards
7, Rudolfs Berzkalns8, Martins Klaucans11, Dmitrijs Dilevka14, Olivers Murnieks16, Roberts Polis17, Kristers Ansons18, Roberts Naudins19, Bruno Osmanis20, Kristians Utnans22, Antons Macijevskis24, Daniels Serkins27, Markuss Sieradzkis28, Karlis Flugins1 Hour To Puck Drop! – Recap Of Scores & What’s Next
Just one hour until puck drop for Canada and Latvia and as fans get ready for this clash, here is a recap of scores from the previous games in the 2026 WJC and a look at what’s next for the remainder of Dec. 27.
Dec 27 Remaining ScheduleCanada vs. Latvia – 4:30 PM ET USA vs. Switzerland – 6:00 PM ET Denmark vs. Czechia – 8:30 PM ET Score Recap:Dec. 27Slovakia 3, Germany 0 – Ongoing MatchDec. 26Sweden 3, Slovakia 2 Denmark 2, Finland 6 Germany 3, USA 6Czechia 5, Canada 7 How To Watch Canada vs. Latvia
This game in the 2026 World Junior Championships can be found to watch on TSN if you are a Canadian viewer or on the NHL for those in the US.
Latvia World Juniors Roster 2026ForwardsKristers Ansons, LW, HK MogoRudolfs Berzkalns, C, Muskegon LumberjacksDmitrijs Dilevka, F, Brooks BanditsKarlis Flugins, F, KooKoo U20Martins Klaucans, LW, Sherbrooke PhoenixAntons Macijevskis, F, Watertown ShamrocksOlivers Murnieks, C, Saint John Sea DogsRoberts Naudins, F, Shattuck St. Mary’s 18U Prep (2027)Bruno Osmanis, RW, IF Bjorkloven U20Roberts Janis Polis, F, HS Riga 17Maksims Pumpins, F, HC Poruba U20Daniels Serkins, C/LW, EHC BaselMarkuss Sieradzkis, F, HC Plzen U20Kristians Utnans, F, Kenai River Brown BearsDefenseOskars Briedis, LHD, Lulea HF U20Harijs Cjunskis, LHD, Brooks BanditsRolands Naglis, LHD, SC Bern Future U21Krists Retanais, LHD, Brooks BanditsKrisjanis Sarts, LHD, Blackfalds BulldogsAlberts Smits, LHD, Jukurit U20Darels Uljanskis, LHD, Flint Firebirds (ANA)Martins Vitols, LHD, ZemgaleGoaliesIvans Kufterins, G, Kamloops BlazersNils Roberts Maurins, G, Omaha LancersMikus Vecvanags, G, Newfoundland Regiment (MTL)Canada World Juniors Roster 2026ForwardsCarter Bear, LW/C, Everett Silvertips (DET)Cole Beaudoin, C, Barrie Colts (UTA)Braeden Cootes, C/RW, Seattle Thunderbirds (VAN)Caleb Desnoyers, C, Moncton Wildcats (UTA)Liam Greentree, RW, Windsor Spitfires (LAK)Michael Hage, C, Michigan (MTL)Tij Iginla, LW, Kelowna Rockets (UTA)Jett Luchanko, C, Brantford Bulldogs (PHI)Brady Martin, C, Soo Greyhounds (NSH)Porter Martone, RW, Michigan State (PHI)Gavin McKenna, LW, Penn State (2026)Michael Misa, C/LW, San Jose Barracuda (SJS)Sam O’Reilly, C/RW, London Knights (TBL)Cole Reschny, C/LW, North Dakota (CGY)DefenseKashawn Aitcheson, D, Barrie Colts (NYI)Harrison Brunicke, D, Pittsburgh Penguins (PIT)Carson Carels, D, Prince George Cougars (2026)Ben Danford, D, Brantford Bulldogs (TOR)Ethan MacKenzie, D, Edmonton Oil KingsZayne Parekh, D, Calgary Flames (CGY)Cameron Reid, D, Kitchener Rangers (NSH)Keaton Verhoeff, D, North Dakota (2026)GoaliesCarter George, G, Owen Sound Attack (LAK)Jack Ivankovic, G, Michigan (NSH)Joshua Ravensbergen, G, Prince George Cougars (SJS)2026 World Junior Championship Schedule
View the full schedule below for the Group Stage and playoff rounds of the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship in Minnesota. FloHockey will provide free live updates for each USA and Canada game including analysis, scoring summaries, and highlights.
Friday, December 261:00 p.m. ET – Sweden 3 – 2 Slovakia2:30 p.m. ET – Denmark 2 – 6 Finland6:00 p.m. ET – Germany 3 – 6 USA8:30 p.m. ET – Czechia vs Canada *Live Updates*Saturday, December 272:00 p.m. ET – Slovakia vs Germany4:30 p.m. ET – Latvia vs Canada *Live Updates*6:00 p.m. ET – USA vs Switzerland *Live Updates*8:30 p.m. ET – Denmark vs CzechiaSunday, December 282:00 p.m. ET – Sweden vs Switzerland4:30 p.m. ET – Finland vs LatviaMonday, December 291:00 p.m. ET – Germany vs Sweden3:30 p.m. ET – Finland vs Czechia6:00 p.m. ET – Slovakia vs USA *Live Updates*8:30 p.m. ET – Canada vs Denmark *Live Updates*Tuesday, December 302:00 p.m. ET – Switzerland vs Germany4:30 p.m. ET – Latvia vs DenmarkWednesday, December 311:00 p.m. ET – Switzerland vs Slovakia3:30 p.m. ET – Czechia vs Latvia6:00 p.m. ET – USA vs Sweden *Live Updates*8:30 p.m. ET – Canada vs Finland *Live Updates*Friday, January 212:30 p.m. ET – Relegation Game2:00 p.m. ET – Quarterfinals Game 14:30 p.m. ET – Quarterfinals Game 26:00 p.m. ET – Quarterfinals Game 38:30 p.m. ET – Quarterfinals Game 4Sunday, January 44:30 p.m. ET – Semifinals Game 18:30 p.m. ET – Semifinals Game 2Monday, January 54:30 p.m. ET – Bronze Medal Game8:30 p.m. ET – Gold Medal GameIIHF World Juniors Hockey: Past Champions
Here’s who won the Gold at the IIHF World Junior Championship since 2000.
2025: United States2024: United States2023: Canada2022: Canada2021: United States2020: Canada2019: Finland2018: Canada2017: United States 2016: Finland2015: Canada2014: Finland2013: United States 2012: Sweden2011: Russia2010: United States2009: Canada2008: Canada2007: Canada2006: Canada 2005: Canada2004: United States2003: Russia2002: Russia2001: Czech Republic2000: Czech Republic2026 World Junior Championship Teams
View the list of teams, by group, for the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship.
Group AUSAGermanySwitzerlandSwedenSlovakiaGroup BCanadaCzechiaLatviaDenmarkFinlandFollow FloHockey’s Coverage Of The 2026 World Junior Championship
FloHockey will be on site for complete coverage of the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship in St. Paul and Minneapolis, Minnesota. You can expect game-by-game coverage of both Team USA and Team Canada from FloHockey’s experts, interviews with key players and coaches and much more. Follow FloHockey’s WJC coverage here.
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