### Canada Triumphs in Overtime Against Latvia at World Junior Championship On December 28, 2025, Team Canada narrowly escaped a potential upset against Latvia in the World Junior Championship, winning 2-1 in an overtime thriller. The match was particularly significant as it marked the one-year anniversary of Latvia's shocking victory over Canada in the same tournament. Michael Hage, a prospect for the Montreal Canadiens, scored the decisive goal just 44 seconds into overtime, ensuring Canada avoided a repeat of last year's disappointment [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/canadiens-hage-saves-team-canada-140004507.html][https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/world_juniors_canucks_cootes_and_team_canada_avoid_upset_loss_sansonnens_scores_for_switzerland/s1_15359_43256087]. ### Breakdown of the Game's Key Moments 1. **First Period**: - The game began with a scoreless first period, where Canada struggled to find their rhythm, allowing Latvia to dominate early on [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/world_juniors_canucks_cootes_and_team_canada_avoid_upset_loss_sansonnens_scores_for_switzerland/s1_15359_43256087]. 2. **Second Period**: - Cole Reschny opened the scoring for Canada, netting a goal after receiving a pass from Gavin McKenna, giving Canada a 1-0 lead [https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/sports/und-hockey/cole-reschnys-goal-helps-canada-escape-upset-bid-by-latvia]. - Despite controlling much of the play, Canada could not extend their lead, allowing Latvia to stay in the game [https://www.am800cklw.com/news/hage-scores-ot-winner-as-canada-survives-another-scare-from-latvia-at-world-juniors.html]. 3. **Third Period**: - Latvia equalized late in the third period, scoring a goal that briefly revived memories of their previous upset against Canada [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/world_juniors_canucks_cootes_and_team_canada_avoid_upset_loss_sansonnens_scores_for_switzerland/s1_15359_43256087]. 4. **Overtime**: - In a tense overtime, Michael Hage scored on a power play, sealing the victory for Canada and ensuring they did not repeat last year's loss [https://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/latvia-canada-score-v78452][https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/article-canada-vs-latvia-world-juniors-score-michael-hage]. ### Supporting Evidence and Statistics - **Game Statistics**: - **Final Score**: Canada 2, Latvia 1 - **Overtime Goal**: Michael Hage, 44 seconds into overtime - **Shots on Goal**: Canada outshot Latvia, maintaining offensive pressure throughout the game [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/world_juniors_canucks_cootes_and_team_canada_avoid_upset_loss_sansonnens_scores_for_switzerland/s1_15359_43256087]. - **Historical Context**: - This game was played exactly one year after Latvia's unexpected victory over Canada, adding emotional weight to the match [https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/sports/und-hockey/cole-reschnys-goal-helps-canada-escape-upset-bid-by-latvia]. ### Conclusion: A Narrow Escape for Canada In summary, **Canada's victory over Latvia was a crucial moment in the World Junior Championship**, showcasing resilience and skill under pressure. The game unfolded as follows: 1. Canada struggled initially but took the lead with Reschny's goal. 2. Latvia's late equalizer set the stage for a tense overtime. 3. Hage's decisive goal not only secured the win but also served as a redemption for the team, avoiding a repeat of last year's upset. This match highlights the competitive nature of international junior hockey and the importance of mental fortitude in high-stakes situations [https://www.am800cklw.com/news/hage-scores-ot-winner-as-canada-survives-another-scare-from-latvia-at-world-juniors.html][https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/world_juniors_canucks_cootes_and_team_canada_avoid_upset_loss_sansonnens_scores_for_switzerland/s1_15359_43256087].