The 2025 IIHF Ice Hockey World Junior Championship is in full swing, and fans are eagerly awaiting the clash between Latvia and the United States. Scheduled for 3:30 p.m. EST at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, Ontario, this matchup promises to be an exciting display of skill, determination, and drama.

USA U20 vs Latvia U20 Ice Hockey Match Info:

What: 2025 IIHF Ice Hockey World Junior Championship
Who: USA U20 vs Latvia U20
When: Saturday, December 28, 2024
Time: 3:30 p.m. EST
Live stream: Watch on Fubo

How to Watch

Fans can catch the action live on TSN, NHL Network, Max (Finland), SVT 2 (Sweden), SVT Play (Sweden), and XSport (Ukraine). Referees Brander R. (Finland) and Frandsen M. (Denmark) will officiate the game.

Latvia preview

Latvia enters this game on the heels of a monumental upset, having defeated host Canada 3-2 in a shootout. The Latvians’ victory sent shockwaves through the hockey world as they demonstrated resilience and grit. Linards Feldbergs was the hero of the night, stopping an astonishing 55 shots to secure one of the most memorable wins in the tournament’s history.

However, Latvia’s journey doesn’t get any easier. Facing the United States with just a short turnaround, the team will need to maintain their defensive discipline and capitalize on scoring opportunities to stand a chance against the defending champions. Latvia’s recent form has been a mixed bag, with their last five games showing two wins and three losses. The question remains: can they sustain their momentum?

United States preview

The United States kicked off their campaign in style with a dominant 10-4 victory over Germany. Gabe Perreault, a New York Rangers prospect and son of former NHLer Yanic Perreault, shone in the opener, scoring two goals and providing an assist. Meanwhile, goaltender Trey Augustine, a Detroit Red Wings draft pick, backstopped the Americans in the win.

Despite their offensive prowess, the U.S. defence showed some vulnerabilities against Germany, which could pose challenges in future games against top-tier opponents like Finland and Canada. Nevertheless, the team’s depth and skill make them heavy favorites in this matchup.

Head-to-Head History

Historically, the United States has dominated Latvia in World Junior Championship encounters. Their last meeting on January 2, 2024, ended in a 7-2 victory for the Americans. Latvia’s closest attempt at an upset came back in 2009 when they narrowly lost 2-1. While history favors the U.S., Latvia’s recent performance suggests they should not be underestimated.

Key Players to Watch

• Latvia: Linards Feldbergs will again be pivotal. After his heroic performance against Canada, his ability to replicate that form will be critical to Latvia’s chances.
• United States: Gabe Perreault’s offensive firepower and Trey Augustine’s steadiness in net will play crucial roles in determining the outcome.

Prediction

This game is unlikely to be a walk in the park for the United States. Latvia’s hard-working, defensively sound approach could frustrate the American offense. However, the U.S. boasts an edge in skill and depth, which should be enough to secure a narrow victory.

Prediction: United States win 4-2.

With the stakes high and both teams eager to prove themselves, this showdown is one not to be missed. Will Latvia continue their Cinderella story, or will the United States march toward another championship? Tune in to find out!