The Biggest Upset in World Junior History...

[@imantsgreiskans3187]

Love this channel, watch all the videos for a long time, covering my country almost got tiers in my eyes, Latvija, Latvija, Latvija!

[@HecticHockey]

I’m rooting for you guys, just not today 🇺🇸

[@markwolf5703]

how many tiers?

[@ajb31]

@@markwolf5703hahahaha. funny. dude english is probably this guys like third language leave him alone

[@imantsgreiskans3187]

@@markwolf5703 it's ok, a misspell, keep your pride in knowing your native

[@imantsgreiskans3187]

Tears*

[@chancegg00]

As a Canadian, I’m not even mad! GO LATVIA!!!! Can’t help but cheer for teams like this!!

[@HecticHockey]

Amazing moment

[@rohw0016]

Canada 🍁 is almost too stacked… Great players were left out.

[@Vicctrous]

@@rohw0016we could have been stacked but they put bad Canadians instead of really good ones

[@noahbrown6961]

@Vicctrous definitely not bad, but not the best available

[@Citizen__X1]

Traitor

[@SalSagev-n3s]

Can't blame Latvia at all for celebrating like they won a gold medal. Such a huge win.

[@sexhaver6-9]

They won bronze medal in the World Championship last year and the country went crazy, it was like they won the olympics. This win against Canada is huge for them, doesn't make Latvia better than Canada, but what a story

[@supremebeing7834]

As a Canadian the loss was worth seeing the absolute joy and pride of those Latvian boys. Well done on never giving up and having the mental will to keep going.

[@WarioSaysSo]

Latvia is no big player among the hockey elite nations, but despite being a humble and small country, they have a lot of heart. What many North Americans seem to miss with Latvia's hockey culture is that while they seemingly never have had big goal scoring champs, they instead have developed over the years gritty, hard-working players and fine goaltenders that have made decent impacts on professional hockey level, wheter it be the NHL, AHL or in a European country's top league. One of my all-time favourite goaltenders is Latvia's legend Artūrs Irbe, who ironicly was a very small goalie (dissed by a lot of coaches), yet proved he could play with the best on elite level (!) 13 NHL, 3 IHL, 5 USRR, 4 various European leagues = 20+ years of elite level gameplay incl. 11 IIHF WC tournaments + 2 OG tournaments in international competition (!) 2x NHL All-Star Game player, 2002 Stanley Cup finals, 1992 IHL Turner Cup champion + James Norris Memorial Trophy (IHL best goalie), 2x IIHF WC gold medalist (Soviet) Not among the very best goalies, still he could compete against the best and deliver elite results (!) A true underdog story of a man IMO.

[@jamesmiedema7229]

It is ABSURD that you got this video out that fast. The quality of this video I would think it would be at least a few days. Bravo

[@HecticHockey]

Thank you!

[@thefamilymans2545]

​@HecticHockey hear hear!!

[@myselfnooneelse3358]

im from slovakia, we love hockey.. Latvia, these wins, they come hard and very far in between. 2023 bronze was not a fluke, keep the momentum going. Love from slovakia.

[@rovshanavila5018]

I have no dogs in this fight im just some dude from Honduras who loves hockey but damn what a performance ... Latvia you have a new fan in Central America .... Go Latvia!!!

[@eliotero1380]

awesome bro

[@itzshade7830]

As a Canadian, this is just simply good for hockey, latvia will be even better next year too

[@Remmy0930]

Finally a Canadian that recognizes the game expanding is a GOOD thing. Same thing is happening to America with basketball. The Euros closed the gap. Hockey is expanding. That's only a good thing for the sport. Canada should no longer be the favorites before they even step on the ice. There are amazing players all across the globe now. It's truly international.

[@noisepoIIution]

Seeing them so hype in the locker room is so satisfying to watch!

[@nadze13]

Latvian fan here. Our guys made a miracle for sure. But me thinks your problem was that your team underestimated us. Easy skate = easy win... But anywho, we will try to get to 1/4 finals. Thats why we are here ;)

[@hirins]

tieshi taa (me thinks - man domaat :)) the best

[@narcoloopsie999]

The goalie’s reaction was so cute ♥️ I love this sport so much

[@valtspaberzs5312]

Proud to be latvian. We are hockey nation!

[@buckodonnghaile4309]

That was a very impressive performance. Cheers from Canada.

[@champsgaming1362]

As a Canadian, I’m very happy for Latvia! Huge congratulations! This is a reality check for our cocky team. Playing like a bunch of individuals instead of performing like a united team in previous tournaments. Thank you latvia❤ 🇱🇻

[@Nohandle2500]

As a 53 year old Canadian I’ve watched every single WJC since 1977 ( 11 of those I travelled to watch in person ). I’ve witnessed the parody creeping into the game beginning around the late 90s & slowly getting stronger every year. By parody, I’m talking about the teams other than Canada, Russia, Sweden, USA & Finland. Most notably, the German, Swiss, Slovaks & Slovenian programs have improved leaps and bounds. The Chech program has been hot & cold over the past few decades. For a period of time from the late 90’s to early 2000’s they were gold medal contenders every year for Jr & Sr programs. The past couple of years they seem to be peaking again. The slower growth ( but steady) have been Latvia, Denmark, Norway etc. I know those countries have really focused on development programs Ian the youth level & basically mirrored what Hockey Canada has done-& have in invested in coaching development by bringing Canadian coaches over to oversee it’s implementation. What happened last night was a perfect storm. It’s where a clearly overconfident team, playing at home and all the pressure that brings-then combine that with a team that played like it had absolutely nothing to lose & a goaltender who played like it was the last game of his life. I knew after the first period, this game was either going to be a loss for Canada - I just wasn’t sure if it would be in regulation or OT or SO. As soon as the 2nd period started, you could see everything the Canadians did based on skill & instinct normally…suddenly became a series of mistakes from overthinking. Every pass, every shot, every play became methodical, robotic. In the end, I’m a hockey fan. Unlike most Canadians, I do not live & die based on the performance of our national teams. I found myself cheering for Latvia from the 2nd period-on. Why? Because they deserved to win. Although, my gut tells me this loss will mean we will see an entirely different team the rest of the tournament. I’ll use the Vancouver Olympics as an example. The preliminary round Canada needed a SO to beat Swiss & then lost to the US. The entire country had the team written off. However they came out in the playoff round & easily beat Germany…and then Destroyed Russia in one of the most lopsided Canada W over Russia ever. It was 7-3 but felt like 15-3. We’ll see a repeat of that in this tournament.

[@ChiknNugg3s]

What a day for hockey, honestly! Well done, Latvia 🇱🇻 ❤

[@joestrunk9663]

hockey is loved all over the world now. makes wins more important. I want it to be more competitive. congratulations Latvia.

[@kaelturkalj3868]

Absoute clinic by put on by the latvian goaltender, cant even be upset Canada lost

[@HecticHockey]

He was unreal

[@tyir0415]

I work at the CTC and I see them on the ice every morning at 10am and they practice hard. Well deserved!!!

[@Hazardlv]

*Everyone who has ever done sports for a long time knows that you never underestimate the underdog*

[@LucasKozak-w1p]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="534">8:54</a> goalies reaction says it all😂

[@paulisvuskans4479]

thanks for this kind of video. thank you for appreciating what the Latvian team did. Greetings from Latvia!

[@sacredalien]

Love reading the comments and how us Canadians are happy and proud for Latvia. I do wonder if the management might be second guessing some of their choices though. Sennecke, Parekh, Yakemchuk, Misa, Cristall etc. Yes this Canadian team is stacked, but you could easily make a second Canadian team from the players left off that would still compete for gold

[@PerfTemp]

This completely, it was super strange when they passed on some super talented guys for the "process" that we are supposed to trust, yet the results look horrible lol

[@sacredalien]

@ I did hear some of it was political which is ridiculous if true. Apparently Misa is committed to an American University team next year and that’s why he was left off. I think Cristall might be the next Stankoven and take a lot of people off guard in Washington, no idea how he was left off this year and last

[@CardinalTreehouse]

The wild thing to me isn't just that they beat Canada, it's that this was their 3rd win in 38 tries in the main tournament group, with 2 OT losses in there.

[@JS-oh7if]

Latvia came to play. Nothing but respect for them.

[@JasonHodgson]

People out here forgetting about Kazakhstan 6 - Canada 3...

[@holoholopainen1627]

When was this ?

[@Jamesbauer34512]

As a Canadian we need to fire our coach and sign latvias goalie

[@HecticHockey]

Well said

[@rf3473]

Dominik Hasak did something similar to Canada in the Olympics in 98. Europe and Russia produce unreal goalies.

[@imulippo5245]

It is always a delight when bigger team loses to a smaller team, because that forces hockey world to expand, that is notoriously expensive to start in junior level.

[@rayniss19]

What is Latvia known for if it isn't hockey?

[@TeemuBjörni-y6s]

basketball

[@rexliks7632]

How our national sport is hockey

[@classic.cameras]

Latvian Orthodox if you ask George from the show Seinfeld.

[@peterisvilcans3655]

Basketball!

[@Boris_Chang]

Not futbol?

[@feezy15]

the Latvian goalie was a stud -

[@thefozzybear]

If Canada had Celebrini and Bedard it would be 18-0 Canada.

[@HecticHockey]

I would hope so

[@holoholopainen1627]

Are You sure that Latvians had All their Best players ?

[@arvinrana3892]

Another great video. You do a great job of brining the emotions into it. Don’t change a thing

[@HecticHockey]

Thank you!

[@Synthetiqxz]

This was actually so unexpected 🇱🇻🇱🇻🇱🇻

[@txweatheraviation]

The problem is that they chose only 3 WHL players and 1 QMJHL player. It’s their own faults for picking so many OHL players. Players like Parekh and Yakemchuk got left out. I’m sure there are more that got left out but that is what came off the top of my mind. Not taking away anything from Latvia, they played amazing specifically there goalie. 53 saves in 55 shots is nuts plus the shootout. Congrats Latvia!

[@HecticHockey]

Misa and Sennecke

[@txweatheraviation]

Yes, and now Schaefer is out with a broken collarbone

[@crime_dog27]

Last night’s loss is so much worse now that the US is beating Latvia 4-0

[@Remmy0930]

The US is going for back to back gold. They are the favorites. The US development program is where it's at now. Gabe chose to play for the US for a reason.

[@the6ixman]

Hated the commentator saying they will go up 5-6 nothing in the first. We are too spoiled. Happy for Latvia

[@adammckenzie6074]

That’s like their Stanley cup just beating us so I guess that’s good for them

[@camillal3548]

Yeah they had an insane celebration when they beat US and got bronze two yrs ago… looked as big as a stanley cup parade

[@hellobnice]

i know a goalie that can write his own ticket

[@holoholopainen1627]

I bet that there were People in Canada - that didnt even know - anything about Latvian hockey before this game ? Surely put Latvia - on The Hockey MAP

[@Annexation_]

Historic win for the nation of Latvia and its hockey program. More countries able to keep up with and beat Canada and the big dogs is a good thing for the sport, especially at this age level. Hard work and determination is what wins games.

[@hydramdfk]

That night was so amazing, i dont regret not sleeping at all! Was good game from Canada aswell, but we Latvians showed what we are capable of! 🇱🇻

[@mayajordan6857]

congrats Lativa! we respect yall so much, and good luck with the rest of the tournament. congrats Lativa! we respeconnea lativa! kunnioitamme sinua niin paljon, ja onnea turnauksen loppupuolelle.

[@_kingclutchx_1917]

this is sick as hell. and there is people actually mad at this. Congrats Latvia

[@BobyDeal-m3j]

I am from Latvia, thank you for this video!

[@martinlatvian5538]

C'mon! There are less than 2 million Latvians on this planet and only few thousand of them play hockey. They train hard. Just give them the sticks and some ice. Canadians You are the best in ice hockey, but You have to step up!

[@Cire605]

Incredible moment for Latvian hockey and the country.

[@kurtperini1224]

Regardless the outcome, it just even a blessing that the game of ice hockey is growing worldwide and the level of play gets thinner and thinner, much respect to both teams.

[@imulippo5245]

Like Tortorella said, "it's just a fukign mindset!"

[@mimic4844]

The fact that they beat them in Canada is just a cherry on the top 😂

[@numberyi]

im canadian, but Ill always secretly root for an underdog

[@jacintochua6885]

Nevrr underestimate opponents.

[@thagitano4758]

Dude you said "Hockey is not what Latvia is known for" You must be really young, there's only 3 countries in the world where hockey is the most popular sport, Canada, Finland and LATVIA, Latvia is very passionate about hockey, Latvia won bronze in 2023 World championship. For such a tiny country Latvia is doing wonders.

[@holoholopainen1627]

At Tampere They are still talking about LATVIA ! So many Latvian came over - that many never seen since - on The Streets !

[@kristapsvidzups1050]

@@holoholopainen1627 forever grateful to finns for hosting those games, made them feel like home

[@Hockeyfootballprodz]

I was at that game yesterday

[@holoholopainen1627]

How was IT ? Too Bad that Canada IS so far away from Europe - so Fans has to watch The games past Midnight !

[@Mayor_Of_Eureka17]

Go Latvia !!

[@idazletv4565]

i just game back from a deployment in latvia for 6 months. i was so happy for them because everytime we played them we beat the shit outta them. latvia hockey is good. Go latija !

[@thefamilymans2545]

Thats awesome, thanks

[@thefamilymans2545]

Man, i was going to watch that game, but i didnt cuz i figured canada had it in the bag!! Thanks for the rehash.

[@blakemacdonald71]

Latvia tendy just beat the final boss in the first round

[@douglepong]

Hockey's always been really random.

[@Mechanicsville804]

Wait a second I thought you said “Canada has the most skill on their roster in this entire tournament.”? Some one fax this guy USA’s roster

[@HecticHockey]

It’s close but I think I give the edge to CAN

[@Remmy0930]

​@@HecticHockey Nah lol.

[@anxietyonline1947]

I'm from Canada and I'm not even mad. That was beautiful hockey by Latvia. Well fucking done boys.

[@K9riya]

That goalie should go 1st overall

[@Yungmasterflex]

JxmyHighroller effect!

[@kolasillers7776]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="305">5:05</a>- fun fact. Carey Price commented on him on X.

[@Dwcdash]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="452">7:32</a> That defensive play by Latvia I don’t think is made by any other team. Not skill, or talent. They just wanted it so so bad Good for them

[@TheBeegle77]

This is what a shitty PM gets you...a LOSS to LATVIA.

[@shaunhickey7233]

No politics for once!!

[@thetwoamigos8656]

Its been sad to see how far Canada has fallen in international hockey. The United States have the feeling of the Canadian world junior teams a decade ago.

[@mark-ko9py]

Yeah, I mean it's over for Canada.... the decline has been going on for decades, in 2 or 3 more decades there will be more Americans in the NHL than Canadians, it is what it is... when a big country starts getting into a sport, and not every player is from MInnesota or Michigan then its GG

[@StickyWicket28]

'hockey isn't exactly what latvia is known for though' oof that stung

[@KrzPBkn]

Proud to be Latvian that day 🤩

[@wbj2000]

Honestly the worst game I have ever seen Canada play. I could not believe my eyes. Shameful play. Shameful coaching. Thankfully Latvia doesn't have some scoring punch or this game would have been far worse. Obviously Latvia is better than Canada, because Canada lacks the metal maturity to take these games seriously.

[@max-is-loud]

I ain't even mad. Good job Latvia, a well deserved win.

[@justin_drake]

Flashback 1980 Olympics USA vs Soviets, you’ll understand which Canada is being that confident going into the game

[@davidgiesbrecht3816]

A bit of humble pie is good for Canada. Hope we still win though

[@Remmy0930]

Not happening with the US...

[@FavstaRGaming]

Lotta selfish plays for Canada, the boys just wanted to show up on the scorecard, 55 shots but 40 were garbage shots from the outside. Great individual talent but poor team.

[@1safety4all]

Team Latvia just became National Heroes, they beat Team Canada, BRAVO

[@mukmoot]

Crazy how most of the Latvia players play in the NAHL that’s a tier 2 junior hockey while all of Canada players play major juniors 😂

[@shaunhickey7233]

Lol i have this buddy who is actually from latvia....he will never let this one go! Nice job boys. Hey Canada, WTF!!! Latvia for gold

[@jamiegirard5688]

LETS GO TEAM 🇺🇸‼️

[@dr.loomis4221]

Canada were told to let them win to boost ratings. Now people will tune in to matchups that look one-sided on paper.

[@hockeymike333]

Goalie stayed in the net and let the guy skate from the red line to the hash marks to the puck? @<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="265">4:25</a>

[@JeffShafer87]

Their not even the 2nd best In Tournament.

[@linuslundell1306]

biggest upset in history? ffs. its a group game!!!! if it was a semi final maybe. jesus.

[@AXLVIDEOGRAPHY]

Latvia is hockey nation🇱🇻, so it was just a matter of time. If you do not beleive me, just check what teams Latvia won and what place Latvia took in 2023 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship! 😉

[@tonyngo9200]

Only thing positive about this loss is now Canada will be playing in 3rd gear from this point forward..if used correctly this wake up call could make canada merciless

[@yxeaviationphotog]

Honestly, this year's Canadian team didn't look that strong against Finland. Latvia deserved this win and Canada needs to do some soul searching before the game against Germany. If we lose to them, it's a guarantee we lose to the US as well.

[@ronreinhold8997]

Latvia is improving at all levels in their hockey. Sorry but this is not that big of a deal.

[@HecticHockey]

This is a very big deal

[@StarHockey93]

This is a huge deal

[@Editss213]

tippable performance out of Latvia. their goalie was unreal, excited to see what they can do against the US.

[@Remmy0930]

US won.

[@raptor_il89lv]

1-5...20h after Canada. It was obvious they havnt rested enought. But yet they showed good game. Latvians is proud for them and we feel like this team can go and show us another awesome game like they did against Canada. This tournament bringed up Bronze medal tournament feeling. Check on how we cheered bronze😂😂😂 and you will understand what drives these boys 🇱🇻💪they saw we can do it! And after Canada game they now know they can do it😊 big things will happen😊🇱🇻🇱🇻 And Latvia qualified to olimpics😏😇🇱🇻💪

[@Kcman1827]

Caps prospect eriks mateiko balling out for latvia, hell yeah

[@CLUBOXY]

well done gentlemen.

[@isaiahclarke6298]

We had to call our little brothers to deal with the latvians

[@Lurvy1963]

Did the Latvia Junior Team watch the movie Miracle before this game? They played like they were coached by Herb Brooks. He coached the US Olympic hockey team to one of hockey history's greatest upsets before they went on to win the gold medal in the 1980 Winter Olympics.

[@raptor_il89lv]

Budy, Artis Ābols is huge name at Latvian hockey-> he has Bronze medal at home he got as 2nd coach with senior national team-> He knows how to upset teams like Sweeden, Finland, USA and Canada. Goalie coach is latvian legend too Edgars Masaļskis. He too knows what it takes to upset those monster team. This was not luck, this was result of many years of hard work. When big teams starts to think they are unbeatable-> it's moment where teams like Latvia show them you do not dare to relax😂😂😂we will come and win 😊 Latvija..Latvija💪🇱🇻👍

[@bevans_1144]

Canada going for chemistry over skill yet again going to bite them in the ass

[@scawfan75]

And Canadians say hockey is their sport...

[@shaomusic46]

Does this lose kick Canada out of the tournament?

[@HecticHockey]

No unfortunately

[@calvincharlie999]

What I'd like to see is Canada vs India and see if there's any difference cause I can guarantee there won't be any difference if any at all. What has happened to Canadian hockey? Congratulations Latvia though. Poor on Canada.

[@TheHat--Man]

We can't loose to a bunch of bums!! Get up, and win the next one

[@holoholopainen1627]

No pressure !

[@janispaeglis4797]

who is Canada?

[@holoholopainen1627]

Canada has More Hockey Fans - than Latvia has People !

[@WillMuny]

Arent they the 51st state of America???

[@jacklaw3962]

Bad coaching on Canada's part - didn't adjust to the Latvian wall of skaters in front of their own crease.

[@XanderDDS]

peter griffin: '.......canada sucks.'