Canada vs. Latvia results, final score: Canada starts the 2022 World Juniors with a win over Latvia

Bryan Murphy

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Canada vs. Latvia results, final score: Canada starts the 2022 World Juniors with a win over Latvia image

It was a lot closer than people expected, but Canada came out on top in their first game of the 2022 World Juniors, a 5-2 win over Latvia. 

Canada received goals from five different players, as Connor Bedard, Lukas Cormier, Olen Zellweger, Ridly Greig and William Dufour found twine in the opener. Bedard, Greig, Dufour and Mason McTavish recorded multiple points, as Greig was named Canada's Player of the Game. 

Two goals on the power play in the second proved to be crucial for Canada, who went 2-for-4 on the game. Sebastian Cossa grabbed the victory in net, making 22 saves. 

Latvia provided to be a much tougher out than anticipated, mostly due to the play of goaltender Patriks Berzins. He faced 44 shots from Canada, turning aside 39 in the effort, which was enough to be named Latvia's Player of the Game. The two goal scorers for Latvia were Rainers Darzins and Bogdans Hodass. 

It's a quick turnaround for Canada, as they will play their next game in less than 24 hours, taking on Slovakia on Thursday at 6 p.m. Latvia will coincidently play Slovakia next, with that game coming on Friday, Aug. 12. 

MORE: Watch the 2022 World Juniors live with fuboTV (free trial, U.S. only)

The Sporting News provided updates and highlights from the Canada-Latvia matchup at the 2022 World Juniors. 

Canada vs. Latvia score

Matchup P1 P2 P3 OT F
Canada 1 3 1 0 5
Latvia 1 0 1 0 2

Connor Bedard tracker

Each game, we will highlight one player on Team Canada to follow along with during the matchup. 

Up first is Connor Bedard, the 2023 draft sensation that plays in the WHL for the Regina Pats. He's regarded as the top pick for the upcoming NHL draft that has been taking the world by storm in recent years. He had 100 points with the Pats this season, had a four-goal performance at the canceled World Juniors in December and added six goals in four games at the U18 Worlds. 

Bedard is extremely skilled and a prolific scorer, considered to be a generational talent. At 17 years old, he's one of the youngest players at the tournament.

1st period

Bedard already is as advertised. The top line with Bedard, Mason McTavish and Joshua Roy have been the best line for Canada and Bedard already has found the twine. It's his pull, drag and shoot that is so dangerous and what beat Latvia's goalie Patriks Berzins. 

He's been Canada's most dangerous player so far and it's been exactly what to expect from him. He's dangerous with the puck on his stick from anywhere on the ice. 

2nd period

The best chances for Bedard have come on the power play. It's that drag and release that he has that makes him so dangerous and he has more space on the power play. He had a couple shots that whistled wide of the night. I would like to see him try and find Kent Johnson across the slot as Latvia is catering to Bedard, but can't complain about getting the puck on net, especially on the power play. 

On Canada's third power play of the period, Bedard picks up an assist on the Olen Zellweger goal. He and Zellweger were passing it back and forth, Bedard walked in, drew a defender, then dropped the puck back to Zellweger, who wristed the shot through traffic and hit twine. It's a play where Bedard doesn't force the shot and he can make that pass on the power play with Canada having more space. 

3rd period

It's nice seeing Bedard engaged in the physical aspect of the game. He's not a big kid, but hasn't shied away from giving and receiving contact either. 

The drag and release is on display again, after dangling through a defenders legs he rips a shot wide of the net. He very easily could have two or three goals and at times, we've seen the frustration from Bedard on the bench. Bedard follows it up by rifling a shot at Berzins mask, which causes it to break a strap somewhere. This kid absolutely loves to shoot the puck from anywhere and everywhere. 

Canada vs. Latvia live updates, highlights from 2022 World Juniors

Final: Canada 5, Latvia 2

8:36 p.m. — Canada holds on for the victory against a pesky Latvia team. Penalties killed Canada's momentum at the start of the third, but the excellent plays in the first two periods were enough to grab the win. Credit to Latvia for playing a full 60 minutes, giving Canada its tightest contest in the history of the two sides at the World Juniors. 

8:29 p.m. — An extra pass made in the offensive zone by Canada finds no one, sending Darzins along on a breakaway. He tries to beat Cossa under the arm, but the big goalie swallows it up. 

8:27 p.m. — A loose puck in front of the Latvian net causes a scrum, but the play is stopped finally as the officials lose sight of the puck. Logan Stankoven and Ralfs Bermanis get into a shoving match and each are sent off for roughing. 

8:24 p.m. — GOAL! Canada gets on the board here in the third as Dufour rips one high over the shoulder of Berzins. He had a one-timer earlier in the shift that didn't go, but the wrist shot goes right by the Latvian goaltender on the short side. It gives Canada some breathing room with five minutes to go. 

8:23 p.m. — A glaring issue in Cossa's game is his ability, or inability rather, to handle the puck. He fumbles with it, doesn't make clean passes and there is clear disconnect in communication between himself and the defenders on where he is placing the puck. 

8:20 p.m. — Got to give credit to Berzins and Latvia. They refuse to go away and have made things competitive against one of the top dogs. It's very clear they are the less talented team, but you can't question their commitment and work ethic. 

8:11 p.m. — Darels Dukurs nearly made it a one-goal game. Standing in front of Cossa, he received a pass and attemped to go in between the legs to beat the Canadian goaltender, but Cossa swallows it up. A very Matthew Tkachuk-like play for Dukurs. 

8:09 p.m. — Yet another Canada penalty as Greig is called again, this time for hooking. It will be a 5 on 3 for seven seconds before it goes to 5 on 4. A very undisciplined period so far for Canada. 

8:07 p.m. — Another power play upcoming for Latvia as Kent Johnson is called for delay of game. He uses his hand to win the faceoff, which is not allowed in IIHF contests, so another opportunity for Latvia. 

8:05 p.m. — GOAL! Seconds into the power play and Latvia finds the back of the net. It's a perfect faceoff play, as Latvia wins it, Girts Silkalns passes to Bogdans Hodass, who slams a one-timer past Cossa. It's a two-goal game five minutes into the third. 

8:04 p.m. — Latvia gets another power play, as Ridly Greig is called for tripping. Nothing doing for Latvia on their first chance. 

7:57 p.m. — Just a minor for McTavish, so he stays in the game. Latvia goes to its first power play. 

7:54 p.m. — Less than a minute into the third and McTavish is whistled for a boarding. Officials are going to a review the play to see whether it's a minor or a major. They called it a major initially, which allows them to review it. It's not a great play by McTavish who hits Bergmanis in the numbers. 

End 2nd period: Canada 4, Latvia 1

7:34 p.m. — The second period ends with some high intensity action. The top line of Canada was buzzing around Latvia, with Bedard having a chance on a one-timer and then Roy sitting in the slot for a one-time as well of his own, but nothing doing. Then Latvia gets a chance off a Canada turnover at the blue line. The pucks rolls into Canada's zone, and Cossa is late to getting out to whack it away. The Latvian player nearly pokes it around Cossa and would have had a wide open night, but Cossa gets just enough that the player lost control. A chaotic ending to a period that Canada again dominated and took advantage of the power plays they had. 

7:30 p.m. — GOAL! Wow, what a beauty by Ridly Greig. The clear attempt from Canada though the air bounces by Latvia's defensemen and Greig uses his speed ot get in all alone on Berzins. While using his one hand to fight off the back checkers, he uses his other to poke the puck through Berzin's legs. An exceptional play by the Senators draft pick and it's 4-1 Canada. 

7:25 p.m. — GOAL! Another defenseman gets a shot through on the power play as Olen Zellweger wrists a shot from the top of the point by Berzins. Just no chance for the Latvian defender as Zellweger finds the perfect spot, shooting through legs and traffic and beats Berzins clean on the glove side. 

7:24 p.m. — Canada to the power play again as Latvia is called for tripping. Both McTavish and Bedard had chances on the delayed penalty, with McTavish's one-timer missing wide and then Bedard's snap shot ringing the post. 

7:20 p.m. — After a Latvia turnover in the neutral zone, Zack Ostapchuk gets the puck and comes in alone, using his body to shield off the Latvia defender but his shot misses the night. 

7:18 p.m. — GOAL! With five seconds left on the power play, Lukas Cormier finds the back of the night for Canada. His shot from the top of the circle beats Berzins on the short side to give Canada the lead. Tyson Foerster provided a nice screen in front. 

7:15 p.m. — The same top unit is out there for Canada and Olen Zellweger's shot gets tipped by McTavish, goes off the crossbar and out. Still a tie game. 

7:14 p.m. — After a disappointing first power play, Canada gets their second chance of the night right as the first penalty expires. Dans Locmelis whistled for roughing. 

7:12 p.m. — The best chance of the power play goes to Latvia, as Raimonds Vitolins finds himself in all alone on Cossa. He tries to tuck it around Cossa's right pad, but the big Canada goalie makes the save. 

7:09 p.m. — Canada heads to its first power play of the night as Ralfs Berganis is called for holding. 

7:08 p.m. — It's all Canada here to start the 2nd, but not a lot of shots on goal. Lukas Cormier had a great look using his speed to come in wide untouched, but his shot missed wide. 

End 1st period: Canada 1. Latvia 1

6:42 p.m. — After 20 minutes it's tied 1-1. Not at all what Canada expected the outcome fo the first period to be, but the result nonetheless. Canada dominated play and had multiple chances that they didn't capitalize on. It takes a breakdown off the rush and an excellent shot from Darzins to get Latvia on the board. Expect Canada to bear down and finish off their chances here. 

6:39 p.m. — GOAL! Latvia is on the board thanks to a Rainers Darzins snipe. He comes down wide, cuts to the middle on a 2 on 2 and beats Cossa over the right shoulder. A sensational shot by Darzins, but not a great defensive play by Carson Lambos who gets caught turning around and allows Darzins to cut in and find open space. Tie game with under two minutes to go. 

6:36 p.m. — Kent Johnson just walked through two Latvians defenders cutting inside from the wall and fed Donovan Sebrango for the one-timer that misses wide. An incredible display of hands with the backhand toe drag from the Blue Jackets prospect. 

6:34 p.m. — McTavish just had a wide open net on a wrap-around, but he couldn't handle the puck. Bedard ripped a shot that was fought off by Berzins and ended up behind the net. McTavish collected the puck, but couldn't get it cleanly in time before Gustavs Ozolins got a stick on his attempt. 

6:29 p.m. — Two chances for Tyson Foerster to put Canada up two are denied by Berzins. His first comes from a shot from the right side that Berzins fights off with his glove. Then seconds later, Kent Johnson fires a backhand pass to the backdoor where Foerster is, but he misses wide. 

6:22 p.m. — GOAL! Who but Bedard. He comes in off the regroup, pulls and rips it by the glove of Berzins. It's his first of the tournament, technically fifth at the World Juniors after his four-goal game in December. 1-0 Canada less than eight minutes in. 

6:19 p.m. — No score through the first seven minutes, but it's been all Canada. A couple of Grade A chances, but nothing really dangerous so far. Last chance came from a shot from the outside by William Dufour, but Patriks Berzins hasn't let anything by him yet. 

6:17 p.m. — We have our first Michigan attempt, coming from a Michigan man himself, Kent Johnson. He tries to get under the puck behind the net, but can't quite get it on the blade in order to wrap it around. 

6:15 p.m. ET — Connor Bedard jumping out early. He skates around and around the Latvia zone, before eventually firing a puck on net. Mason McTavish collects the rebound and goes to fire a backhand, but it's deflected out of play. Some strong play out of Canada's top line so far. 

Pregame

5 p.m. ET — Canada rolls out its first lineup of the preliminary round at the 2022 World Juniors. Riley Kidney slots in for Brennan Othmann up front after a rough pre-tournament scrimmage from the Rangers prospect. 

4 p.m. — Canada coach Dave Cameron announced that Sebastian Cossa will be the starter for the game against Latvia. While Dylan Garand is considered the No. 1 goalie, Canada goes with Cossa against what will be their weakest opponent of the tournament. The team also has a back-to-back, so it gives Garand a breather before Thursday's game against Slovakia. 

What channel is Canada vs. Latvia on today?

  • Canada: TSN 1/4
  • United States: NHL Network

TSN has all the World Juniors action in Canada, while in the United States, viewers can find the games on the NHL Network.

Gord Miller and Mike Johnson will be on the call live in Edmonton. James Duthie and Bob McKenzie will provide analysis in the intermissions as well.  

How to live stream World Juniors hockey games

Fans in Canada can stream all of the World Juniors games at TSN.ca or the TSN app. Meanwhile, U.S. fans can stream the tournament on fuboTV (7-day free trial) or catch the action on NHL.tv or the NHL app.

Canada vs. Latvia start time

  • Time: 6 p.m. ET, 4 p.m. PT

The puck drops at 6 p.m. ET from Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, home of the Edmonton Oilers.

MORE: Team Canada 2022 World Juniors roster, results

It is the first game for Canada in the preliminary round, while it is the second for Latvia. 

Canada vs. Latvia odds

  • Canada: -6.5 (-104)
  • Latvia: +6.5 (-133)

Canada is a heavy 6.5 favorite entering its first contest of the World Juniors, according to Sports Interaction. 

Canada World Juniors schedule 2022

(All times Eastern)

Date Opponent Result TV info
Aug. 10 Latvia — 6 p.m. (TSN, NHLN)
Aug. 11 Slovakia — 6 p.m. (TSN, NHLN)
Aug. 13 Czechia — 6 p.m. (TSN, NHLN)
Aug. 15 Finland — 6 p.m. (TSN, NHLN)
Aug. 17 Quarterfinals — TBD (TSN, NHLN)
Aug. 19 Semifinals — TBD (TSN, NHLN)
Aug. 20 Bronze/Gold — TBD (TSN, NHLN)

Bryan Murphy

Bryan Murphy Photo

Bryan Murphy joined The Sporting News in 2022 as the NHL/Canada content producer. Previously he worked for NBC Sports on their national news desk reporting on breaking news for the NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL, in addition to covering the 2020 and 2022 Olympic Games. A graduate of Quinnipiac University, he spent time in college as a beat reporter covering the men’s ice hockey team.