Despite best efforts, Cowan and Knights couldn't help Canada past Latvia at World Juniors

Canada's Easton Cowan (27) carries the puck as Latvia's Olivers Murnieks (14) and Peteris Bulans (16) defend during second period IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship preliminary round action in Ottawa on Friday, Dec. 27, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

Canada looked to continue their perfect start to the World Juniors in Ottawa on Friday – but were stopped just short of victory by the Latvians, losing 2 – 3 in a shootout.

The first goal for Canada came in the second period, when London’s own Jett Luchanko managed to sneak one past the Latvian goaltender, who blocked 55 shots on net to Latvia’s 22.

Canada almost escaped with a 1-0 shutout, but Latvia managed to secure a single goal late in the third period on a power play.

The rest of the third period was a brutal back and forth – Canada quickly answered Latvia’s goal with a power play goal by Calum Ritchie, and Easton Cowan followed up his goal in Canada’s opening night win with an assist, followed by another goal by the Latvians, bringing the game to a tie and forcing overtime.

The goaltenders brought their A game for overtime, with no puck passing into either team’s net, driving the teams into a shootout.

The sixteenth player to take a shot was Latvia’s Eriks Mateiko, who managed to finally get one past Canada’s goaltender Jack Ivankovic.

Their next game is Sunday against Germany.