2023-05-28 15:10:19
Today marks the conclusion of the World Hockey Championship, with the bronze medal match, as well as the gold medal match, taking place in Tampere, Finland and Riga, Latvia.
We were first entitled this morning to the bronze medal match, while the United States (surprised yesterday by Germany) and Latvia faced each other.
Here’s what the American roster looked like for that game.
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 favorites for this match, but since the start of the tournament, Latvia has shown that they can compete with anyone, as they proved yesterday by offering quite the opposition to Canada in the semi-finals.
In short, we had the right to expect an excellent hockey game, and that’s exactly what we had.
It was first Latvia who 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
The United States, however, quickly responded through Rocco Grimaldi.
Rocco Grimaldi responds for USA to tie it! pic.twitter.com/9ULergfk9j
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) May 28, 2023
Subsequently, 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 again, Grimaldi tied the game 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
The tie held until midway through the third period, when Matthew Coronato gave the United States 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 that time, many thought that it was there and that the beautiful story of the Latvians would end like this, but Kristian Rubins had not said his last word.
The 25-year-old defender tied the game with just over five minutes left in the game, sending everyone into overtime to the delight of the fans on site.
Kristians Rubins ties it up for Latvia with just minutes left! pic.twitter.com/21QPK8j0Hl
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) May 28, 2023
And in overtime, Rubins quickly returned to the charge, scoring the game-winning goal just 1:21 into the game.
KRISTIANS RUBINS IN OT TO WIN BRONZE FOR LATVIA! pic.twitter.com/hdN3QomvvM
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) May 28, 2023
Rubins therefore allowed Latvia to win a first medal in its history during a professional hockey tournament.
It’s really quite a story and quite an achievement for this nation, which has once again proven that it has its place in the world of hockey.
The reactions and celebrations from players and fans really said it all.
This medal is worth all the gold in the world for Latvia, which can really be very proud of its incredible tournament, where it could very well have ended up in the final by beating Canada yesterday.
Imagine if we had had a final between Latvia and Germany, while Canada and the United States would have fought for bronze.
In short, hats off to Latvia who fully deserve this first medal in their history.
Now it’s time for the final between Canada and Germany, which will take place at 1:20 p.m. on RDS.
A lot of
– To read.
#flapanthers coach Paul Maurice Q&A: On the moment the players took over, Matthew Tkachuk, BOB, Stanley Cup run, Winnipeg, more
On the season’s turning point in Toronto in March: “I lost my f—ing mind”
My sitdown with the 25-year coach
— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) May 28, 2023
– The Blue Jays have lost big chunks on defense recently.
Losing big chunks defensively affects the rest of the club.
— Passion MLB (@passion_mlb) May 28, 2023
– Heat fans believed Miami won the game.
Miami Heat fans thought they took Game 6!
????: IG/corygarrastazu pic.twitter.com/3EJIkn2xHU
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) May 28, 2023
– Nice answer.
“That’s basketball for you.”
Jimmy Butler in response to the highs and lows felt during the Game 6 loss to the Boston Celtics on a buzzer-beater. pic.twitter.com/ihQTJQUO9O
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 28, 2023
– Deserved.
Caroline Ouellette joined the IIHF Hall of Fame, and Sandra Dombrowski becomes the first woman ever inducted to the officials category
— The Hockey News – Women’s (@TheHockeyNewsW) May 28, 2023
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#Latvia #wins #bronze #medal #USA