Sport

Latvia finishes the world championship in sixth place

May 29, 2026

The Latvian national ice hockey team concluded its World Championship campaign in sixth place after suffering a 0–2 defeat to Norway in the quarterfinals on Thursday, May 28.

The opening five minutes saw few dangerous chances at either end, but Latvia clearly controlled the play and dictated the pace. Midway through the first period, Eduards Tralmaks won a hard-fought battle in the offensive-zone corner, skated in front of the net, and found an unmarked Oskars Cibuļskis, whose wrist shot narrowly missed the target.

Five minutes before the end of the period, Latvia was caught on a counterattack, allowing Norway a dangerous scoring opportunity. However, goaltender Kristers Gudļevskis came up with a crucial save to keep the game scoreless. Late in the period, Sandis Vilmanis drove to the net and collided with Norwegian goaltender Henrik Haukeland, resulting in a two-minute penalty. Latvia successfully killed the penalty and entered the intermission tied 0–0. Excluding the time spent shorthanded, Latvia held the edge in play and outshot Norway 7–6.

Latvia again started strongly in the second period, generating several quality chances while Haukeland remained solid in the Norwegian net. The Latvians held a 4–0 shot advantage during the first five minutes of the frame.

The deadlock was finally broken midway through the period when a defensive breakdown in front of Latvia’s net allowed Tinius Luc Koblar to find himself in an excellent shooting position, which he converted to give Norway a 1–0 lead. Moments later, Roberts Mamčics received a two-minute penalty, but Latvia successfully defended the ensuing penalty kill.

Latvia earned its first power-play opportunity when Norwegian captain Andreas Martinsen was penalized, but the Latvian side was unable to create any significant scoring chances. Norway’s disciplined defensive play and willingness to block shots proved decisive throughout the game. Martinsen was later penalized again for a similar infraction, giving Latvia another opportunity with the man advantage, but the equalizer remained elusive. The latter stages of the second period were played largely with special teams after Kristaps Zīle was also sent to the penalty box. Norway, however, failed to capitalize on its power play as well.

A notable issue for Latvia during the second period was faceoffs, where Norway dominated 16–5.

The third period featured a fragmented and chaotic style of hockey that largely favored the Norwegians. Midway through the frame, Tralmaks broke free alone against Haukeland, but the puck slipped off his stick at the crucial moment.

Latvia increased the pressure as the game progressed and created several dangerous opportunities, but Norway’s defense consistently cleared rebounds and protected the area in front of its net. With 90 seconds remaining, head coach Harijs Vītoliņš pulled Gudļevskis in favor of an extra attacker. The gamble backfired when Norway scored into the empty net to secure the victory.

Latvia’s most valuable players of the tournament were Kristers Gudļevskis, Sandis Vilmanis, and Rūdolfs Balcers. Oskars Cibuļskis was named Latvia’s best player in the quarterfinal game.

Norway 2 – Latvia 0
Periods: 0–0, 1–0, 1–0

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