IIHF U18: USA Defeats Latvia 6–3, Advances to Semi-Finals

The United States advanced to the semi-finals of the 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship with a 6–3 win over Latvia on Friday in Frisco. With early pressure, timely offense, and a few fortunate bounces, the Americans continued their streak of playing for a medal every year since 2004—excluding only 2021.

First Period – Strong Start for the Hosts

The Americans wasted no time getting on the board. At 5:37, Cullen Potter capitalized on a loose puck in front and beat Latvian goaltender Ivans Kufterins cleanly to the far side for the 1–0 lead.

GOAL (5:37): Cullen Potter (USA) – Even Strength
Assists: Garrett Lindberg, Asher Barnett

Less than three minutes later, they doubled their advantage. At 8:19, Cole McKinney threaded a pass to a streaking Richard Gallant, who backhanded the puck into the net to make it 2–0.

GOAL (8:19): Richard Gallant (USA) – Even Strength
Assists: Cole McKinney, Jack Murtagh

The rest of the period saw no further scoring, but tensions began to rise late. At 25:34, Latvia’s Olivers Murnieks was called for tripping. Just five seconds later, USA’s Will Horcoff received a slashing penalty at 25:39, resulting in 4-on-4 play that carried into the second period.

Second Period – Momentum Shifts on Special Teams

The Americans capitalized on that open ice. At 7:23, during 4-on-4 play, L.J. Mooney sent a sharp pass to Jack Murtagh, who snapped it home to extend the U.S. lead to 3–0.

GOAL (27:23): Jack Murtagh (USA) – Even Strength (4-on-4)
Assist: L.J. Mooney

Just two minutes later, Teddy Mutryn was sent off for interference at 29:21. Latvia didn’t convert on that power play, but the penalties continued to pile up. Charlie Trethewey went to the box for hooking at 31:43, followed by another penalty to Horcoff—this time for boarding—at 32:59. With a 5-on-3 opportunity, Latvia seized their moment.

At 32:15, Daniels Serkins walked out from the corner and lifted a high-angle shot past Joey Slavick to get Latvia on the board. Only 49 seconds later, Latvia struck again. At 33:04, Alberts Smits blasted a heavy point shot through traffic to close the gap to 3–2.

The Americans responded just over two minutes later. At 35:53, Asher Barnett dumped the puck into the Latvian zone, where it took an awkward bounce off the end boards, hit the back of Kufterins, and rolled over the goal line to make it 4–2.

GOAL (35:53): Asher Barnett (USA) – Even Strength
Assists: Will Moore, Casey Mutryn

Third Period – Closing Time

Latvia’s Roberts Gasuns was penalized for delay of game at 52:25, and the Americans made them pay just seconds later. Mikey Berchild dug the puck out from behind the goal and fed L.J. Mooney in front, who tipped it over the line to make it 5–2.

Seconds later, the Americans extended their lead. Mikey Berchild dug the puck out from behind the net and centered to L.J. Mooney, who tipped it home for a 5–2 advantage.

GOAL (52:25): L.J. Mooney (USA) – Even Strength
Assist: Mikey Berchild

Latvia showed no signs of quitting. At 55:41, Herberts Laugalis threw the puck toward the net and Karlis Flugins got the deflection, beating Slavick to pull the score to 5–3.
GOAL (55:41): Karlis Flugins (LAT) – Even Strength
Assists: Herberts Laugalis, Daniels Serkins

With time winding down, Latvia pulled Kufterins for the extra skater. But it was Cullen Potter who iced the game, scoring his second of the night into the empty net at 58:41. Latvia kept fighting and was rewarded for their persistence. At 55:41, Herberts Laugalis threw the puck toward the net and Karlis Flugins managed to get a piece of it, deflecting it past Slavick to bring the game to 5–3.

With just under 90 seconds remaining, Latvia pulled their goaltender for the extra attacker, but the U.S. made them pay. At 58:41, Cullen Potter scored his second of the game into the empty net to seal the 6–3 victory.

IIHF Photo Gallery – United States v. Latvia – QF

Top Players – USA

• Jack Murtagh – Scored the 3–0 goal during 4-on-4 play and added an assist. Provided scoring depth and speed. Selected as Player of the Game.
• Cullen Potter – Scored two goals, including the opening goal and the empty-netter to seal the win. His presence around the net set the tone early.
• L.J. Mooney – Registered a goal and two assists. Contributed offensively throughout the game and was involved in key even-strength plays.
• Asher Barnett – Scored a momentum-shifting goal (the fluky bounce off the boards) and had an assist. His heads-up dump-in led to a crucial swing.
• Joey Slavick (G) – Made 19 saves on 22 shots. Steady in net, especially during Latvia’s power-play push.

Top Players – Latvia

• Daniels Serkins – a goal and two assists, including a power-play goal and a key helper on Latvia’s final goal. Served as a consistent offensive threat and team leader.
• Alberts Smits – a goal, one assist. His heavy point shot cut the deficit to 3–2 and kept Latvia within striking distance.
• Karlis Flugins – Scored Latvia’s final goal and added an assist. Active around the crease and generated traffic in front of the net.
• Ivans Kufterins (G) – Despite allowing five goals, he faced 39 shots and made 33 saves, keeping the game from slipping out of reach in the first half.

Final Game Stats

What’s Next

Latvia exits with an 8th-place finish for the third consecutive year, equaling their best-ever result. While the all-time record against the U.S. moves to 0–8, this contest marked their narrowest loss yet in the head-to-head series.

Team USA now shifts its focus to a highly anticipated semifinal rematch against Sweden. The two teams last met in the preliminary round, where the Americans came out on top. This time, the stakes are even higher—with a trip to the gold medal game on the line. The puck drops on May 2, 2025, at 19:00 local time in Frisco.