On the one-year anniversary of Eriks Mateiko’s shootout winner against Canada at the IIHF World Junior Championship, Team Latvia almost pulled off another massive upset.
The Latvians pushed the Canadians as much as they could, sending the match into overtime where Michael Hage scored the winner on a power play, giving Canada a 2-1 win.
The Latvians did an excellent job at limiting quality scoring chances. Like last year, Latvia hung around and scored late in the third period to send the match into extra time. This year though, they didn’t have quite enough to get the win.
As expected, Saint John Sea Dogs forward Olivers Murnieks was Latvia’s top line centre. He played 19:38, recording one shot and going 15-15 in the faceoff circle.
Despite the loss, this result will no doubt give the Latvians some confidence. They play Finland on Sunday at 5:30 p.m. Atlantic.
BEVERIDGE TRADE
“We are sad to see Egan go but are excited for him to get a fresh start in Quebec,” said Georgie. “He is an outstanding young man and he will be missed around the team and in the community. We wish him the very best.”
The Sea Dogs averaged 2,762 fans per game in the first of the season. While those numbers still aren’t great, it’s a decent increase over where they were at last year.
Here’s a look at Saint John’s pre-Christmas attendance in the post-COVID era. I’ve included where they rank in the QMJHL to provide some perspective.
2025-26 (16 games): 2,762 (8th)
2024-25 (17 games): 2,434 (11th)
2023-24 (18 games): 2,617 (7th)
2022-23 (16 games): 2,486 (8th)
2021-22 (17 games): 2,412 (7th)
Attendance typically increases in the second half. Saint John ended last season with an average of 2,811 fans per game.
The league average is 3,244 but just four teams – Quebec, Halifax, Newfoundland and Moncton – are averaging over that.
GOALIES MOVED
The two most sought after goaltenders on the QMJHL trade market have been moved.
The Baie-Comeau Drakkar have dealt Lucas Beckman to the Chicoutimi Sagueneens in exchange for Xavier Daigle, Mathias Hernandez and draft picks.
The Quebec Remparts, meanwhile, have traded 6’8″, 210 lbs goaltender Louis-Antoine Denault to the Newfoundland Regiment in exchange for second- and third-round picks.
All transactions can be seen on the QMJHL website. The trade deadline is Jan. 6.
OTHER THINGS