ALLEN — Ryan Roobroeck scored twice, Xavier Villeneuve had a goal and assist, and Canada whipped Latvia 7-1 in the under-18 men's world hockey championship on Friday at the Credit Union of Texas Event Center.
Jackson Smith, Carson Carels, Alessandro Di Iorio and Daniels Serkins also scored for Canada, which improves to 2-0 in Pool A following Thursday's 9-2 win over Slovakia. Matthew Gard chipped in with two assists.
Lev Katzin scored a third-period goal for Latvia, which was outshot 28-17.
Canadian netminder Lucas Beckman stopped 16 shots, as his team scored power play and short-handed goals during the game.
“I think there is pressure on all of us here, but we’re all trying not to think about it," said Jackson Smith. "You can’t focus on the scouts or the draft or what’s happening tomorrow when you have a job to do on the ice. Team success translates to individual success for everyone in the room.
"As a guy that’s worn the (Canadian) sweater a couple of times now, its important that I lead where I can, and try and pick guys up and do things the right way. I’ve learned from so many good players over the years, so it’s been a huge help in how I prepare every day.”
Assistant coach Travis Crickard said the Canadians showed improvement, especially on the back end, since starting the tourney.
“I thought the guys were a little tidier on the breakouts and around our net. We showed some physicality tonight that wasn’t there versus Slovakia last night. It’s nice to see the guys moving in straight lines and finishing their checks, it wore the Latvians down," said Crickard.
"To win a tournament like this, it comes down to who is going to stop and start, keep sticks on the ice and get a stop down low to get the puck back. I think we did a better job of all of that tonight.”
Canada will play Finland on Sunday and Norway on Monday, while Latvia faces Finland on Saturday and Slovakia on Monday.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 25, 2025.
The Canadian Press
