Canada vs. Latvia: Live score, highlights, updates from 2022 World Juniors hockey tournament

The first game for Team Canada is here, as the host country plays its first 2022 World Juniors game Wednesday night against Latvia. 

Canada, who enters the tournament as the favorite to win gold, is without the likes of Shane Wright, Owen Power, Jake Neighbours and others, who either elected not to play or are dealing with injuries. However, there is still plenty of star power on the Canada club.

Leading the way for the team will be Ducks prospect Mason McTavish, Blue Jackets draft pick Kent Johnson and the top prospect for the 2023 draft, Connor Bedard. McTavish comes back and replaces Kaiden Guhle as the captain for the squad, joined by Johnson and Donovan Sebrango as the assistants. 

Latvia already has one game underneath its belt. The country, who replaced Russia at the top tournament following Russia’s ban from the IIHF, lost 6-1 on Tuesday to Finland to begin their World Juniors journey. 

MORE: Watch the 2022 World Juniors live with fuboTV (free trial, U.S. only)

The Sporting News will provide updates and highlights on the Canada-Latvia matchup at the 2022 World Juniors. 

Canada vs. Latvia score

Connor Bedard tracker

Each game, we will highlight one player on Team Canada to follow along with during the matchup. 

Up first is Connor Bedard, the 2023 draft sensation that plays in the WHL for the Regina Pats. He’s regarded as the top pick for the upcoming NHL draft that has been taking the world by storm in recent years. He had 100 points with the Pats this season, had a four-goal performance at the canceled World Juniors in December and added six goals in four games at the U18 Worlds. 

Bedard is extremely skilled and a prolific scorer, considered to be a generational talent. At 17 years old, he’s one of the youngest players at the tournament. 

Canada vs. Latvia live updates, highlights from 2022 World Juniors

1st period

6:19 p.m. — No score through the first seven minutes, but it’s been all Canada. A couple of Grade A chances, but nothing really dangerous so far. Last chance came from a shot from the outside by William Dufour, but Patriks Berzins hasn’t let anything by him yet. 

6:17 p.m. — We have our first Michigan attempt, coming from a Michigan man himself, Kent Johnson. He tries to get under the puck behind the net, but can’t quite get it on the blade in order to wrap it around. 

6:15 p.m. ET — Connor Bedard jumping out early. He skates around and around the Latvia zone, before eventually firing a puck on net. Mason McTavish collects the rebound and goes to fire a backhand, but it’s deflected out of play. Some strong play out of Canada’s top line so far. 

Pregame

5 p.m. ET — Canada rolls out its first lineup of the preliminary round at the 2022 World Juniors. Riley Kidney slots in for Brennan Othmann up front after a rough pre-tournament scrimmage from the Rangers prospect. 

Our first look at Team Canada at the World Junior Championship. Brennan Othmann (NYR), Ethan del Mastro (CHI) and Brett Brochu are the scratches. Connor Bedard (2023) riding shotgun with Mason McTavish (ANA). Should be a great duo along with Joshua Roy (MTL). Lotta goals there. pic.twitter.com/UVEgS3f3Xc

— Chris Peters (@chrismpeters) August 10, 2022

4 p.m. — Canada coach Dave Cameron announced that Sebastian Cossa will be the starter for the game against Latvia. While Dylan Garand is considered the No. 1 goalie, Canada goes with Cossa against what will be their weakest opponent of the tournament. The team also has a back-to-back, so it gives Garand a breather before Thursday’s game against Slovakia. 

Dave Cameron says Sebastian Cossa (DET) will start tomorrow for Canada. A bit of a surprise. There was a time in December where he looked like he might be the No. 3 guy. Belief then was that it was Dylan Garand’s net to lose and then Garand won CHL Goalie of the Year.

— Scott Wheeler (@scottcwheeler) August 10, 2022

What channel is Canada vs. Latvia on today?

• Canada: TSN 1/4
• United States: NHL Network

TSN has all the World Juniors action in Canada, while in the United States, viewers can find the games on the NHL Network.

Gord Miller and Mike Johnson will be on the call live in Edmonton. James Duthie and Bob McKenzie will provide analysis in the intermissions as well.  

How to live stream World Juniors hockey games

Fans in Canada can stream all of the World Juniors games at TSN.ca or the TSN app. Meanwhile, U.S. fans can stream the tournament on fuboTV (7-day free trial) or catch the action on NHL.tv or the NHL app.

Canada vs. Latvia start time

• Time: 6 p.m. ET, 4 p.m. PT

The puck drops at 6 p.m. ET from Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, home of the Edmonton Oilers.

MORE: Team Canada 2022 World Juniors roster, results

It is the first game for Canada in the preliminary round, while it is the second for Latvia. 

Canada vs. Latvia odds

• Canada: -6.5 (-104)
• Latvia: +6.5 (-133)

Canada is a heavy 6.5 favorite entering its first contest of the World Juniors, according to Sports Interaction. 

Canada World Juniors schedule 2022

(All times Eastern)