Latvia won bronze. © APA/afp / JONATHAN NACKSTRAND

Historic World Cup bronze for Latvia

Latvia won a historic bronze medal at the Ice Hockey World Championships in Finland and at home.

28 May 2023

From: apa

The Balts defeated the USA 4:3 (2:2, 0:0, 1:1, 1:0) after extra time in the small final in Tampere, Finland, in front of thousands of Latvian fans on Sunday and thus won their first-ever World Cup medal. The North Americans, however, took fourth place, as in the previous year. Canada will then fight against Germany in the final for its 28th World Cup title.

Roberts Bukarts gave the Latvians the lead (8th), which Rocco Grimaldi immediately equalized (10th). Janis Jaks put the outsiders in front again seven minutes later. Shortly afterwards, the puck landed with an unfortunate deflection in the goalscorer's face, which probably resulted in a visit to the dentist. Once again it was the previous World Cup top scorer Grimaldi who equalized the game with his seventh World Cup goal.

Exuberant cheers from the Latvians. © APA/afp / JONATHAN NACKSTRAND

After a goalless middle third, Matt Coronato gave the US boys the lead for the first time (47th), before Kristians Rubins became the match winner for the Latvians and made history. The 25-year-old from the AHL team Calgary Wranglers initially made it 3-3 (55th) after an assist from Rihards Bukarts, who was most recently under contract with the KAC. In extra time, Rubins scored after 1:22 minutes to give the Balts a much-celebrated victory.