Latvia began its Deutschland Cup campaign on a high note in Dusseldorf, edging Slovakia 3-2 in an extra period thanks to a sharp finish from Renārs Krastenbergs.
The narrow triumph set the tone for the national team’s November schedule under head coach Harijs Vītoliņš.
Diena reported that the opening match saw Latvia strike first when Rihards Melnalksnis capitalized on an early power play in the seventh minute with a swift individual rush. Slovakia pulled level shortly before the second intermission through Samuels Bučeks before Rodrigo Ābols restored the Latvian advantage in the third period with an assist credited to goaltender Gustavs Dāvis Grigals.
With just over two minutes remaining in regulation, Slovakia pulled goaltender Bučeks for an extra attacker during a Latvian penalty. Simon Jellúš converted a one-timer to force overtime, where Krastenbergs secured the additional standings point just two minutes into the extra session.
“Covid-19” restrictions meant that when Latvia first triumphed in the 37-year-old competition, only three teams participated: Latvia, Germany, and the Germany U-23 team.
Grigals stands tall as Latvia outshoots opponents
Goaltender Gustavs Dāvis Grigals anchored the lineup by turning away 30 of 33 shots faced during regulation and overtime. Diena said that Grigals earned player of the match honors for his steady presence while Latvia outshot the opposition 38 to 30.
The squad traveled to Germany on Wednesday with a roster featuring three goaltenders, eight defensemen, and 14 forwards. Vītoliņš is supported behind the bench by assistant coaches Lauris Dārziņš, Sandis Ozoliņš, and Raimonds Vilkoits, alongside goaltending coach Artūrs Irbe, video coach Pēteris Groms, and strength and conditioning coach Ēriks Visockis.
Deutschland Cup Nov 5 Latvia vs. Slovakia 3-2 OT Germany vs. Austria 3-0https://t.co/8KZzZ7EAgX
Latvia reviews tournament history and prepares for December tests
Latvia has a varied history at the Deutschland Cup, having first triumphed in the tournament back in 2020 when pandemic restrictions reduced the field to three teams. Last year’s campaign ended with a single victory and a third-place finish in the 37-year-old competition.
Following the Dusseldorf fixtures against Germany and Austria, the national selection prepares for the Kaufland Cup in December, where games await in the Slovak town of Spišská Nová Ves.
Conquering the Deutschland Cup
On November 8, the Latvian national ice hockey team defeated Austria 6–2 in the German city of Düsseldorf, securing victories in all three matches to claim the Deutschland Cup 2026 title.
“Puiši malači. Zinājām, ka austrieši ies virsū, spiedīs. Izveidojām labus pretuzbrukums, spēlējām disciplinēti, iemetām trīs vārtus vairākumā, kas arī ir svarīgi. Laba, pelnītā uzvara. Vienmēr patīkami tikt pie tādas prestižās trofejas un liels paldies puišiem par pašatdevi, ko viņi parādīja šajā turnīrā,” Latvian national ice hockey team head coach Harijs Vītoliņš said.
From the opening minutes, goaltender Gustavs Dāvis Grigals had to engage actively in the match, successfully withstanding a period of play while short-handed. In the tenth minute, Bruno Osmanis beat the opposing goaltender to open the scoring and net a goal for the second day, with Kristaps Skrastiņš providing the assist.
Fēlikss Gavars doubled the advantage shortly afterward on a power play assisted by Toms Andersons and Sandis Smons, before Renārs Krastenbergs added a third before the first intermission with another assist from Andersons on the power play.
The national team previously defeated host Germany 3–1 in its second fixture of the tournament. The roster in Düsseldorf operated without Kristiāns Rubīns, who returned to his club, while an agreement with Swiss club Bern kept Rodrigo Ābols off the ice against Austria to give younger players expanded opportunities.
Latvian national team fixtures will continue on December 11 and 12 at the Kaufland Cup tournament in Slovakia, where the squad will face Norway and the tournament hosts.
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