For half the match, Canada managed to keep up with Latvia, but the Latvians pulled ahead and won with a score of 10-2 (0-0, 4-1, 6-1). This means that they will face Switzerland in the quarter-finals on Friday.

There were no goals in the first period, where Canada started out as the stronger team with two immediate chances at goal. Even though Latvia had possession of the ball more often, Canada was the more dangerous team. By the end of the period, Canada had a shot at crossbar but had to settle for 0-0 before the beginning of the second period.

The goal would come, however. Chris Haigh scored 0-1 after about four minutes in the second period. Then Latvia took charge. Artis Savins evened the score in power play and Aigars Belasovs scored 2-1 only one minute later, halfway through the period. At that moment, Canada chose to take a time out, but to no effect. Instead, Latvia scored 3-1 immediately and later on increased the score to 4-1 in box play. Canada’s scorer Chris Haigh got a chance with a penalty shot toward the end of the second period, but did not manage to score.

In the third period, Latvia continued to dominate the match and Canada never came close to catch up. Latvia scored six goals during the last 20 minutes and the match ended with a score of 10-2.

Full match statistics here.

Photo: Tommy Holl.