Sweden: Siltanews – News Desk
Sweden celebrated two first-period goals in route to a 3-2 victory versus underdog Latvia at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship in Ottawa, Canada.
Sweden scored twice in the first period and persevered to defeat Latvia 3-2 in Thursday’s first quarter-final. The never-say-die Latvians rallied with two second-period goals from assistant captain Eriks Mateiko, but despite rousing cheers from the TD Place Arena crowd, the underdogs couldn’t complete their comeback.
The Swedes had three different goal-scorers, with David Edstrom’s second-period tally standing up as the winner. “It’s always tough in these quarter-finals,” Edstrom said. “Both teams really wanted to win, and it was nice getting the win.”
Anton Wahlberg spoke about the key takeaway for Sweden heading into the semi-finals: “We need to be good for 60 minutes. We can’t score three goals and think the game is done when you get to the playoffs. Nobody wants to lose, because it’s win or go home.”
Sweden, which earned its all-time record 12th silver medal at last year’s World Juniors in Gothenburg, will compete in the final four for the fourth straight time. Their last gold medal came in 2012 in Calgary with a 1-0 overtime win over the Russians.
“It feels good” said Swedish captain Axel Sandin Pellikka. “Obviously we won the game, so that’s what we’re going for and we’re now looking forward to the semis.”
Swedish goalie Melker Thelin had a much lighter workload than his counterpart Linards Feldbergs, who was named Latvia’s player of the game. Coach Magnus Havelid’s troops outshot Latvia 50-13.
The Latvians already achieved a “Miracle on Ice” moment with their stunning 3-2 shootout win over host Canada in the group stage. To do it again versus Sweden in the playoffs was a big ask. They can take pride in their Ottawa performance regardless.
“Overall, this team probably was the best team that ever [represented Latvia at World Juniors],” Mateiko said. “I feel like we played our hearts out every day. Definitely a tough one today, going out in a close game. But big thanks to all the guys and Feldbergs especially. We wouldn’t be here, if not for our goalie.”
“I think this was one of the best weeks in my life,” said Feldbergs. “This tournament is going to stay in my head and my heart for the rest of my life.”
From the outset, the Swedes dominated with their traditional puck possession game. First-period shots favoured the Juniorkronorna 19-2. Latvia did not get a shot on goal until after the 15-minute mark.