“Canada got what they deserved. Bad roster management”: Fans react as Latvia claims historic 3-2 shootout victory over hosts at WJC

Latvia achieved a historic victory by defeating Canada 3-2 in a shootout at the World Junior Championship. This was the first time Latvia beat Canada in the tournament and only their third-ever WJC win.

Canada had dominated Latvia in their previous four meetings, always scoring at least five goals. This time, Canada’s offense fell short, marking the first time they couldn’t reach that benchmark against Latvia.

B/R Open Ice shared the moment on X (formerly Twitter), posting:

"IS THIS THE UPSET OF THE CENTURY 😱 Latvia just STUNNED Canada in the shootout in their third WJC win EVER."

Soon many fans joined in the comment section to talk about Canada's loss:

"Canada got what they deserved. Bad roster management," one fan wrote, criticizing the team’s decisions.

"Fire everybody involved with Hockey Canada scouting. How are we leaving multiple top 10 draft picks off the roster? Absolute joke," a fan shared.

"US beating Red Army for gold in Olympics still no 1 in my books! Miracle on ice!" another fan said.

Here are some more fan reactions to Canada's loss:

"Good for Latvia, Canada needs to do wayyyyy better but I’m gonna be happy for Latvia instead of angry lol," a fan mentioned.

"Lol, this is what happens when they leave some of the best players off the team. This look good on them. This team is cooked," another fan mentioned.

"No it isn't, Canada took way to many bad penalties, showboated, only to not score. I hate to say it but these boys deserved to be beaten," a fan wrote.

"Nope…its the end result of hockey canada greed. Kids cant afford to play our national pastime for 3 generations now. Greed," another fan wrote.

This upset shows the growing competitiveness in international hockey.

Canada lost 3-2 to Latvia for the first time in WJC

Canada lost 3-2 to Latvia in a shootout at the World Junior Championship. Jett Luchanko gave Canada a 1-0 lead in the second period with a shorthanded breakaway goal. Both goalies performed well, with Latvia’s Linards Feldbergs stopping Canada’s chances.

Latvia tied the game at 1-1 late in the third period. Eriks Mateiko scored on a power play after a pass from Bruno Osmanis. Canada regained the lead with 5:38 left. Easton Cowan set up Calum Ritchie, who scored on a power play to make it 2-1.

Peteris Bulans tied the game again, scoring through traffic to force overtime. In the shootout, Mateiko scored on his second attempt to give Latvia the win. Canada struggled with passing and lost Matthew Schaefer to an early injury.