Latvia beats Czechia to reach quarterfinals at WJC

Latvia celebrates the win over Czechia during third period IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship action in Edmonton on Sunday August 14, 2022. (Jason Franson/CP)

EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) — Ralfs Bergmanis had a hat trick and Latvia beat Czechia 5-2 on Sunday to secure a quarterfinal spot in the world junior championship.

Latvia (1-2-1) was third in Group A, a spot ahead of the Czechia (1-2-1). Latvia got into the event when Russia and Belarus were expelled. 

Earlier, Kasper Simontaival had two goals and an assist in Finland’s 9-3 victory over Slovakia in Group A. Joel Maatta also scored twice for Finland (2-1). Slovakia finished 0-3-1.

The United States faced Sweden in Group B lead in the late game.

More from Sportsnet
Canada continues to show growth after overcoming adversity against Czechia
Restrictions may be gone, but 2022 world juniors feels like ‘bubble’ tournament

When submitting content, please abide by our submission guidelines, and avoid posting profanity, personal attacks or harassment. Should you violate our submissions guidelines, we reserve the right to remove your comments and block your account. Sportsnet reserves the right to close a story’s comment section at any time.