The 2021 Ice Hockey World Championship got underway in Latvia on Friday and it was not the start Team Canada was hoping for in the tournament.
Facing off against the hosts, Canada was blanked 2-0 by Latvia in the opener and itβs the first time Latvia has defeated Canada in their 13 all-time tournament meetings.
Since it was a historic win and on home ice of all places, the Latvian hockey fans took to the streets to celebrate the big upset win in the tournament opener.
Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Matiss Kivlenieks stopped all 38 shots that came his way for the shutout, while Miks Indrasis and Oskars Batna scored the two goals for Latvia.
Canadaβs next game is against the United States on Sunday, while Latvia will take on Kazakhstan on Saturday.