Today, Canada played its semi-final match at the World Hockey Championship against the always surprising Latvia.
Well, Canada prevailed, advancing to the final.
As usual, however, Latvia gave Canada a tough time.
Indeed, it was no easy match for André Tourigny’s team.
Here’s what Canada’s line-up looked like for this match.
Our semifinal Saturday setup.
Our semi-final line-up for Saturday. #IIHFWorlds | #MondialIIHF pic.twitter.com/2St8bnKwSq
– Field hockey Canada (@HockeyCanada) May 27, 2023
As you can see, Samuel Montembeault once again got the start, having established himself as Canada’s number-one goaltender at the tournament.
(OBOXADSQ || []).push({“cmd”: “addBanner”});
Although Canada were heavy favourites for this match, Latvia are by no means to be underestimated, especially after eliminating Sweden in the quarter-finals.
Well, Latvia wasted no time in showing that they are not to be taken lightly.
The Latvians took the lead 1-0.
Dans Locmelis opens the semi-finals score! @lhf_lv #CANLAT #IIHFWorlds pic.twitter.com/sqTh4p8lLp
– IIHF (@IIHFHockey) May 27, 2023
We had to wait until the end of the second period to see Canada tie the game.
We’re all tied up!
We’re all tied up! #IIHFWorlds | #MondialIIHFpic.twitter.com/5w9RRmQr3A
– Field hockey Canada (@HockeyCanada) May 27, 2023
(OBOXADSQ || []).push({“cmd”: “addBanner”});
However, Latvia regained the lead a few moments later to go into the second intermission with a 2-1 lead.
Rudolfs Balcers puts Latvia back in the lead! @lhf_lv #CANLAT #IIHFWorlds pic.twitter.com/lrl2owMBKr
– IIHF (@IIHFHockey) May 27, 2023
Fortunately for Canada, we didn’t have to wait too long to tie the game in the third period.
Jack Quinn scored from an impossible angle to set the record straight.
Quinn with the bank shot!
Quinn scores from a tight angle! #IIHFWorlds | #MondialIIHFpic.twitter.com/yhFawmaFFp
– Field hockey Canada (@HockeyCanada) May 27, 2023
Then, for the first time in the game, Canada took the lead thanks to a superb goal by Adam Fantilli.
The deke! The snipe! ADAM FANTILLI!
ADAM FANTILLI KNITS, SHOOTS AND SCORES! #IIHFWorlds | #MondialIIHFpic.twitter.com/30n0yxCOdQ
– Field hockey Canada (@HockeyCanada) May 27, 2023
(OBOXADSQ || []).push({“cmd”: “addBanner”});
CH defenseman Justin Barron picked up an assist on the goal. He now has three assists in nine games.
Fantilli’s first of the tournament was the winning goal in Canada’s 4-2 come-from-behind victory over Latvia.
It’s a good thing to see one of the top prospects in the 2023 draft score such a goal on the international stage just a few weeks before the draft.
Samuel Montembeault turned aside 20 of the 22 shots he faced in the win.
In short, Canada is through to the final, and now waits to find out whether it will face the USA or Germany.
That other semi-final takes place later today.
Latvia, meanwhile, will still have the chance to fight for bronze, which is entirely deserved considering their incredible tournament.
In a gust
– Here are Fantilli’s post-match comments.
“I grew up watching Luc my entire life and he gave me that pas…that was a pretty surreal feeling.”
️ Adam Fantilli reflects on his game-winning goal. @hockeycanada #CANLAT #IIHFWorlds @AdamFantilli pic.twitter.com/WaDqtfJVeG
– IIHF (@IIHFHockey) May 27, 2023
– Here are the line-ups for the semi-final between the USA and Germany.
I’m kinda digging that Hutson is the USA’s leading scorer among defensemen and is doing it as the seventh D.
Can’t stop this kid. https://t.co/456g1zt9ro
– Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) May 27, 2023
– Decisions will have to be made by the CH regarding these two goaltenders.
The Montreal Canadiens have just a few days left to make a decision regarding Frederik Dichow and Joe Vrebtic’s future.
Should the #Habs offer them contracts?
The lack of talent in the goaltending prospect pool may very well force the issue.
More: https://t.co/XVESnEt5Kz
– Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) May 27, 2023
– Bad news for Sergio Perez.
PEREZ CRASHES OUT OF QUALIFYING!
One of the contenders for pole position slides into the Turn 1 wall and destroys the Red Bull car.
He will start really far down the grid for Sunday’s race.#MonacoGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/kZhAo3ZV36
– TSN (@TSN_Sports) May 27, 2023
– Read more.
One year later, what’s changed in Canadian junior field hockey https://t.co/zzsMr0I9dR
– Radio-Canada Sports (@RC_Sports) May 27, 2023