Team Latvia was coming off a 6 Zip loss to Sweden and looked shaky to start today’s game VS Canada. Through a rather dull and scrambly start, Canada finally took the lead when Conor Geekie smoked a wrister top shelf just 4 seconds into a power play. Shortly thereafter, Canada took a questionable call. Only in the WJHC can the refs review a penalty which they did. Most of us thought they were looking to up the penalty to a major. Instead, they called the penalty off altogether. Braedon Jager scored his first at the tournament with assists from Macklin Celebrini (his second) and Maveric Lamoreaux who was Canada’s top minute muncher from yesterday’s game. Canada 2-0 / SOG 15-5.
Who needs Conor Bedard ? Canada’s latest phenom, Macklin Celebrini, the consensus first overall choice has stepped in on the scoresheet quite nicely thank you. After 2, the Canadians are up 5 to 0 with 3 assists and one fabulous breakaway goal from Macklin. Matt Wood sent Celebrini in alone off a wonderful two-zone pass. Owen Allard with a PP goal and Carson Rehcropp with a beauty sweep across scored the other 2 Canadian goals. Latvia only had 7 shots on net, 4 of which were legitimate chances during a 4 on 4 in the middle of the period. Mathis Rouseau was playing his second game and had to be sharp on those attempts.
One thing about playing a lesser opponent in these tournaments. They can be dangerous. Winners can become lethargic and big-headed. Losers humiliated.
Not much to say about the third period, but here’s a quick review:
Captain Fraiser Minten buries his first – 6-0…Mathew Wood had a great game – 7-0…Latvian Goalie change…Geekie 8-0…Rehkopp 9-0 (Celebrini’s 4th assist/5th point)…those 4 goals were scored in just over 4 minutes…Poitra 10-0.
HOPPER NOTES: Germany beat Finland 4 to 3 in an earlier game – their first win over the Finns in 25 attempts…seems odd that Minten has never ever played in a Team Canada game…those 5 third period goals BTW had very little in the way of celebration afterwards – classy…the Canadian crowd serenaded us again with a reprise of Summer of ’69…obvious player of game for Canada was Macklin Celebrini…final SOG 40-21…look for my summary on Friday from the 1:30 game VS Germany…CHEERS !