The United States might have walked away with a 5-1 victory over Latvia on Saturday, improving to 2-0 at the 2025 World Juniors. It’s evident to anyone watching that this was no easy feat. Latvia deserves enormous credit for their effort, especially after their stunning 3-2 shootout miracle over Canada just the night before. That triumph was the talk of the hockey world, and coming into this one, they had us wondering if another shocker was on the horizon.
For a moment, it felt possible. Latvian goalie Linards Feldbergs, a 19-year-old phenom, posted a jaw-dropping 54-save performance and a perfect 8/8 shootout stunner against Canada and looked sharp again today, stopping 36 more. He made the Americans work for every goal, and it was clear this Latvian squad wouldn’t back down.
USA Strikes Early, Latvia Stays Resilient
The Americans wasted no time asserting themselves, as Danny Nelson (NYI) opened the scoring just 1:59 into the game. Cole Eiserman (NYI) collected a loose puck behind the net, fired it, then corralled the rebound and found Nelson in front. Nelson’s quick tip made it 1-0, showcasing the chemistry between the Islanders prospects.
Latvia, to their credit, stayed in the fight. Despite playing with four 16-year-olds on their roster and boasting the youngest team in the tournament, they showed grit and discipline. They clogged lanes, brought physicality, and forced Team USA to fight for every inch of ice. It was nothing new for some of them, for Latvia boasts six NAHL players on their roster.
The Tier 2 U.S. junior league, particularly the central division, is known for producing grinders, and these kids brought tenacity to the world stage. Yet American bench boss David Carle wanted his team to bear down defensively after allowing four to Germany, and they did just that, limiting Latvia’s chances while taking advantage of the ones they earned.
Special Teams Shine for USA
The speed and skill of the Americans eventually wore Latvia down as they struck three times on special teams. The BC trio of 2025 first-overall pick James Hagens, Washington Capitals prospect Ryan Leonard (NYI), and New York Rangers selection Gabe Perrault connected for a beautiful power-play goal in the second period.
Perrault won the faceoff to Hagens, who got the puck off the faceoff to blueliner Zeev Buium (MIN), who walked the blueline, found Hagens on the right flank, and hit Leanord on the back door. Leanord tipped the saucer pass, which defected off Feldbergs skate and into the net, doubling the USA lead.
Minutes later, Hagens and Buium combined again during a four-on-four, with Buium walking the blue line, finding Hagens on the right flank, and going to the doorstep before roofing it for a 3-0 cushion. The dagger came late in the second when Nelson double-dipped. Brady Ziemer (BUF) threaded a perfect backhand sauce to Nelson, who elevated his second goal with just 5.3 seconds left in the frame, giving Team USA a commanding 4-0 advantage.
You could feel for Latvia forward and 2025 NHL draft prospect Daniels Serkins because he didn’t deserve for his teammates to get scored on. He had just blocked three shots and came off the bench in pain. His teammates were ecstatic, and the crowd, filled with “Latvia Fans for a day” signs, was in a frenzy. Nelson’s strike in the waning seconds brought everyone at the Canadian Tire Centre back to reality. Today wasn’t another upset day.
Latvia’s Lone Bright Spot
Latvia finally broke through in the third. Davids Livsics capitalized on a perfectly-timed bounce off the boards, beating Nelson to the puck and snapping it past Hampton Slukynsky (LAK) to spoil the shutout bid.
The netminder was fabulous with 25 saves, even showcasing his quick post-post movement and flashing the glove on accurate Latvian shooters. However, the goal was a deserved reward for the underdogs, who refused to quit. Meanwhile, Feldbergs was heroic once again.
It wasn’t the same barrage as Friday or the onslaught German goalie Noah Pertuch endured, facing 56 against the Americans on Thursday. Still, the QMJHL’s Sherbrooke Phoenix goaltender made some highlight-reel stops, robbing Hagens, Perrault, Leonard, and Nelson multiple times. Scouts will undoubtedly have their eyes on him after this tournament.
USA’s Depth Reigns Supreme
For the Americans, Nelson led the way with two goals, and Hagens had two assists, but other players also stood out, displaying the American’s unmatched depth. Trevor Connlley (VGK) didn’t register a point, as he did, scoring USA’s third goal in their 10-4 tournament-opening win over Germany.
Yet, his relentless work along the boards and in the dirty areas was pivotal in setting up Nelson and Eiserman for scoring chances. Boston University defender Cole Hutson (WSH) was an American two-way force, activating in the offensive zone while keeping things tight defensively. He even attempted the Michigan late in the contest. Max Plante (DET) capped the scoring with a gorgeous two-on-one finish with Nashville Predators prospect Teddy Stiga after Oliver Moore (CHI) forced a Latvian turnover to make it 5-1.
What’s Next?
Latvia showed no fluke and has put itself on the international hockey map. If they play like this on Monday, they should beat Germany and secure a spot in the knockout stage.
As for Team USA, the defending champs have won ten straight dating back to last year’s 7-0 perfecto and the 2022 Bronze medal game. They’ll look to keep things rolling against Finland on Sunday.
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