Today marks the conclusion of the World Hockey Championships, with bronze and gold medal matches taking place in Tampere, Finland and Riga, Latvia respectively.
First up this morning was the bronze-medal match between the United States(upset yesterday by Germany) and Latvia.
Here’s what the US line-up looked like for this match.
How our lines are shaking out for today’s bronze medal game matchup! #MensWorlds | @WinmarkResale pic.twitter.com/u3V7TQYtUk
– USA Hockey (@usahockey) May 28, 2023
Of course, the Americans were the favorites for this match, but since the start of the tournament, Latvia has shown that it can compete with anyone, as it proved yesterday when it put up a stiff fight against Canada in the semi-finals.
In short, we had every right to expect an excellent field hockey match, and that’s exactly what we got.
Latvia opened the scoring on a power play midway through the first period.
Roberts Bukarts strikes first and gives Latvia the lead in the Bronze Medal Game! pic.twitter.com/ryHA4a91hT
– TSN (@TSN_Sports) May 28, 2023
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The United States, however, quickly retaliated through Rocco Grimaldi.
Rocco Grimaldi responds for USA to tie it! pic.twitter.com/9ULergfk9j
– TSN (@TSN_Sports) May 28, 2023
Then, at the end of the first period, Latvia regained the lead thanks to Janis Jaks.
Jānis Jaks pushes Latvia ahead 2-1! pic.twitter.com/wzRTrqTE43
– TSN (@TSN_Sports) May 28, 2023
But once again, Grimaldi created the tie moments later for the United States.
Rocco Grimaldi with his second goal of the period to even it back up! pic.twitter.com/QLzaVqxBpw
– TSN (@TSN_Sports) May 28, 2023
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This tie persisted until midway through the third period, when Matthew Coronato gave the US the lead for the first time in the game.
Matt Coronato gives the US the lead in the third period! pic.twitter.com/eP3vgKr1OZ
– TSN (@TSN_Sports) May 28, 2023
At the time, many thought that this was it and that the Latvian story would come to an end, but Kristian Rubins had not said his last word.
The 25-year-old defenseman tied the game with just over five minutes remaining, sending it into overtime to the delight of the fans on hand.
Kristians Rubins ties it up for Latvia with just minutes left! pic.twitter.com/21QPK8j0Hl
– TSN (@TSN_Sports) May 28, 2023
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And in overtime, Rubins quickly came back with the winning goal after just 1:21 of play.
KRISTIANS RUBINS IN OT TO WIN BRONZE FOR LATVIA! pic.twitter.com/hdN3QomvvM
– TSN (@TSN_Sports) May 28, 2023
Rubins gave Latvia its first-ever medal at a professional field hockey tournament.
It’s really quite a story and quite an achievement for this nation, which has once again proved that it has a place in the field hockey world.
The reactions and celebrations of the players and fans really said it all.
This medal is worth all the gold in the world for Latvia, who can truly be proud of their incredible tournament, where they could very well have found themselves in the final by beating Canada yesterday.
Imagine if we’d had a final between Latvia and Germany, with Canada and the USA fighting it out for bronze.
In short, hats off to Latvia, who fully deserve this first medal in their history.
The final between Canada and Germany is scheduled for 1:20 p.m. on RDS.
En Rafale
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– Nice response.
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– Deserved.
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