Latvia makes World Juniors history in Ottawa

OTTAWA - Heading into their final matchup of the preliminary round of the 2025 World Junior Championships against Finland, Latvia took the ice with some history already written. With victories over Canada and Germany,  the Latvians won two games in the preliminary round for the first time.

The World Junior Championship Tournament dates back to 1977 and since its inception, has provided opportunities for the participants to represent their country in international competition and brought them chances to showcase themselves on the world stage. Latvia has competed in the top division at the last four tournaments, reaching the quarterfinal round three times including this year. 

“I’m loving every minute of it and trying to enjoy every moment,” said Dmitrijs Dilevka, current Watertown Shamrock forward and a selection to this year’s team in Ottawa. “I try to make my family proud and give my all. It’s very cool to play against the best players in your age group and it motivates me to work harder at my game.” 

For years, Latvia and the North American Hockey League have been intertwined on the international stage. This year, Dilevka and five other players on NAHL rosters were selected to the team. Former NAHL head coach and Robertson Cup Champion Karlis Zirnis, who has also experienced playing for Latvia, serves as an assistant coach for both Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (NCAA Division I) and the Latvian squad.

“It’s always an honor to represent your country,” said Zirnis. “I had the privilege of working at different IIHF events and I really do mean a privilege. You want your people to feel proud of the team and that they are Latvian.”

Between Latvia (6), Switzerland (1), and Kazakhstan (2), nine NAHL players were selected to play in this year’s tournament. Looking back in history, NAHL talent has represented their respective countries every year at the tournament since 1997. With previous coaching experience in the NAHL, Zirnis spoke to us about what he sees on the outside looking in when recruiting NAHL players for both collegiate and international levels. 

“We want our players to be playing in competitive leagues and the NAHL is a very competitive league. You want your players to be challenged during the year so when they arrive for the national team they have played competitive games and have been challenged in practice.” 

Zirnis and the rest of the coaching staff first evaluated the potential roster at summer camp, including the six NAHL players selected.

“I love what I see from the players that have played in the NAHL. I see the development in their game has grown from the summer to this point. Their game has matured and they have taken big strides in skill development. Dima (Dmitrijs Dilevka) is one of those players that has matured his game and playing in the NAHL has taught him how to do that. Dima is a 06’ that we will also count on in the future.”  

“I love playing in Watertown and the NAHL,” said Dmitrijs. “It took me a little time to get adjusted but I feel good. We have a great organization - my billets came to watch me play in Ottawa. I’m excited after the tournament to go back and help us win more games.”

Latvia’s journey through the preliminary round began last Friday against Canada, a matchup with a one-sided history leaning in strong favor towards the host nation. In their previous four meetings, the Canadians outscored Latvia 41-4 including their most recent meeting just a year prior in Sweden, resulting in a 10-0 win for Canada.. 

Down a goal twice with under 10 minutes remaining, Latvia’s Eriks Mateiko and Peteris Bulans both tallied equalizers to bring the game to overtime and an eventual shootout. Both goals came on the power play, the first penalty being drawn by Dilevka with 7:34 remaining. The shootout became a battle between the pipes as we reached the eighth round with both teams scoreless. Eriks Mateiko succeeded in his attempt to lift Latvia past the Canadians in a shocking and historic upset. 

“I don’t really think I can put into words what we felt after beating Canada,” said Zirnis. “The drama itself during the game. Tying the game late in the third and then going into overtime and extra shooters in a shootout. It was a feeling that this is why we coach and what the players play for, the moments like this. You can’t get this feeling anywhere else.”

“Beating Canada was very exciting and all the boys went crazy after the game in the locker room,” Dilevka said. “It’s awesome to advance to the quarterfinals and we will give our best effort.”

Latvia finished their preliminary round in fourth place of Group A; they earned another victory that required more than 60 minutes, taking down Germany 4-3 in overtime. They will take on Sweden in their quarterfinal match this afternoon.