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Latvia Stuns US 4-2, 45-Save Goalie Leads Win

5/24/2026

Summary

Latvia Beats USA

Latvia defeated United States 4–2 on May 23, 2026, moving to fourth in Group A.
Kristers Gudlevskis made 45 saves as Latvia outshot the U.S. 47-22, while Deniss Smirnovs and Sandis Vilmanis’s empty-netters secured the win after Matthew Tkachuk’s power-play goal.
The loss left the United States with five points in sixth place, requiring wins over Hungary (May 25) and Austria (May 26) and an Austria loss to Finland to stay quarter-final contention.

Summary

Switzerland Dominates

Switzerland posted 9-0 wins over Hungary and Austria, captain Roman Josi’s hat-trick and Sven Andrighetto’s five points, widening its Group A lead to three points.
Canada remained unbeaten and led Group B.
Czechia edged Slovakia 3-2 after captain Roman Cervenka’s skate-deflected winner.
Denmark earned win by shutting out Slovenia 4-0 in Fribourg.
Matthew Tkachuk played his second World Championship game after joining the United States (U.S.) roster on Tuesday.

Summary

Latvia Fields Debutants

Latvia fields seven debutants, including 17-year-old forward Olivers Murnieks, the youngest ever at the Worlds.
The team’s first match begins at 13:20 Latvian time in Zurich’s Swiss Life arena.
Latvia sits on three points after a 1-7 loss to Finland, keeping the top-four race tight.
Latvia’s next opponents are Great Britain and Hungary, direct quarter-final rivals, before the tournament ends on May 31.

History

Historical Context

After regaining independence in 1991, Latvia re-entered the IIHF, rose from the C pool in 1992 to the A pool by 1997, and won its first World Championship bronze as hosts in 2023. Rookie goalie Kristers Gudlevskis recorded 45 saves in a 4-2 win over the United States in Zurich, reflecting a program that now supports about 8,000 registered players.

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Latvia Beats USA

Latvia defeated United States 4–2 on May 23, 2026, moving to fourth in Group A.
Kristers Gudlevskis made 45 saves as Latvia outshot the U.S. 47-22, while Deniss Smirnovs and Sandis Vilmanis’s empty-netters secured the win after Matthew Tkachuk’s power-play goal.
The loss left the United States with five points in sixth place, requiring wins over Hungary (May 25) and Austria (May 26) and an Austria loss to Finland to stay quarter-final contention.

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