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Team Canada earned a measure of redemption Saturday with a 2–1 overtime win over Latvia at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, avenging one of the most stunning losses in recent tournament history.
The two teams were locked in a scoreless battle after 20 minutes, with Canada holding an 11–7 edge in shots but allowing several quality Latvian chances early.
Latvia appeared to open the scoring midway through the first period, but the goal was waved off after review when officials ruled the puck had been kicked into the net.
Canada finally broke through in the second period, and it came from a familiar face for fans in Victoria.
Former Victoria Royals forward Cole Reschny opened the scoring on the power play after Latvia’s Martins Klaucans was assessed a five-minute major for a hit to the head.
Gavin McKenna found Reschny who snapped a blocker-side shot past the Latvian goaltender to give Canada a 1–0 lead.
The Canadians carried that advantage into the third period, but Latvia refused to go away.With 1:58 remaining in regulation, the Latvians tied the game, forcing overtime and stirring memories of last year’s upset in Ottawa, when Latvia stunned Canada in a shootout.
This time, Canada ensured the outcome was different.
Starting overtime with carryover power-play time, Canada pressed immediately, and Michael Hage capitalized, scoring the game-winning goal to secure the 2–1 victory.
The win improves Canada to 2–0 at the tournament following its Boxing Day opener, a 7–5 victory over Czechia that served as payback for consecutive quarterfinal eliminations.
Another former Victoria Royals player, defenceman Keaton Verhoeff, has yet to make his tournament debut. Verhoeff has been a healthy scratch through Canada’s first two games as the team’s extra defenceman.
Canada will have Sunday off before resuming round-robin play Monday against Denmark. The preliminary round wraps up on New Year’s Eve with a matchup against Finland.
