Canada defeated by Latvia 9-2 in Polese Cup

After losing a hard fought game to Russia the night before, Team Canada/ Powell River Regals struggled with the tournament favorites to fall 9-2 to the Latvian national team. Forward John Coyle was named Canadian player of the game. Canada finishes out the Polese Cup with a tilt against Belarus Sunday night.

Canada started out strong creating scoring chances right from the start of the game, getting rewarded with their first goal of the tournament from Jason Deleurme on a nice feed to the side of the net from Jusin Yarocki. Canada then had the first power play of the game but it was short lived and Latvia tied the game four on four. Canada then had a chance to take the lead back with Latvia in the penalty box for too many men, but a turnover allowed Latvia to take their first lead of the game on a shorthanded breakaway.

End of the first period Latvia 2 Canada 1. Power plays Canada 0-2 Latvia 0-3.

Canada came out in the middle frame playing good old Canadian hockey with strong physical play sending three Latvian players to their bench favoring injuries. But another turnover at the offensive blue line sent Latvia in on another 2 on 1 and their third goal of the game. Canada responded with their second goal of the game from Matt Dzieduszycki, assisted by Jason Deleurme and Richard Seeley to cut the Latvian lead in half to 4-2. But Latvia took over scoring three more times, once on the power play. After 40 minutes Latvia 7 Canada 2. Power plays Latvia 1-1 Canada 0-3.

Canada began the period taking a pair of minor penalties allowing Latvia to score their second goal with the man advantage. The teams continued back and fourth play until Latvia finished out the scoring with a minute and a half to make a final score of 9-2. Power plays Latvia 2-7 Canada 0-7