WHL At The 2025 World Juniors: Lewandowski Impresses Again While Latvia Stuns Canada On Day 2
Day two of the 2025 World Juniors saw plenty of WHLers stepping up for their countries. Four games were on the schedule, with Slovakia, Finland, Sweden and Latvia all skating away with victories. Here is a look at how WHL players faired on Friday.
Switzerland Battles Hard But Fall Late To Slovakia
Switzerland fought hard, but a goal in the final four minutes was the difference, as they fell 2-1 against Slovakia. Lethbridge Hurricanes' Leo Braillard was the only WHLer to play in this game, finishing with two shots in 15:08 of ice time. Switzerland, which also features Regina Pats' goaltender Ewan Huet, will now get a day off before facing Sweden on Sunday.
Finland Bounces Back In Win Over Germany
After falling 4-0 on opening night, Finland defeated Germany 3-1 on Friday afternoon. Everett Silvertips' Julius Miettinen had two shots during his 17:34 of ice time, while Saskatoon Blades' David Lewandowski finished the game with five shots during in 16:21 of ice time. Both teams will have tomorrow off before playing their third game of the tournament on Sunday.
Sweden Runs Up The Score Against Kazakhstan
It was a game to remember for Sweden as they defeated Kazakhstan 8-1 on Friday. Calgary Hitmen's Axel Hurtig was on the winning side, recording an assist in 13:28 of ice time. As for Spokane Chiefs' Asanali Sarkenov, he did not dress for this game. Next up for Sweden will be a matchup with Switzerland on Sunday, while Kazakhstan gets Czechia tomorrow.
Latvia Stuns Canada
The game of the day was easily Latvia's 3-2 shootout win over Canada. While Latvia doesn't have any WHLers on their roster, the team does feature a couple of QMJHL players, including Linards Feldbergs, who made 54 saves before going a perfect eight for eight in the shootout. Canada will now have a day off before facing Germany, while Latvia faces the U.S.A. tomorrow.
LATVIA BEATS CANADA IN THE SHOOTOUT 😱
Eriks Mateiko scores the game winner!#WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/oIVP2ddA89— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 28, 2024
A schedule for Saturday's games, as well as the remainder of the World Juniors, can be found here.
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