Other events in Baltic States

On December 21, in preparation for the upcoming World Junior (U-20) Ice Hockey Championships in Canada, the Latvian U-20 ice hockey squad stunned Russia 3:2 (0:1, 1:1, 1:0, 1:0) in overtime in an exhibition game, LETA was informed by the Latvian Ice Hockey Federation's press secretary Vita Lebedeva.

Riga ''Dinamo'' forward Roberts Bukarts scored two goals for Latvia, whilst Juris Upitis scored one goal.

Raimonds Ermics was in goal for Latvia for the game's first 30 minutes, whilst Janis Kalnins was in goal for the second part of the game.

On December 23, Latvia will play its final exhibition game before the tournament against Austria.

As reported, during a LHF board meeting last week, it was put forward that the goal of the Latvian U-20 men's ice hockey team at the U-20 Division A Ice Hockey World Championships in Canada is to retain its place in Division A.

Latvia will play its first game at the World Championships on December 26 against hosts Canada. On December 27 Latvia will play Slovakia, on December 29 Latvia will play the United States, whilst on December 30 Latvia will play Switzerland.

This year's U-20 Division A Ice Hockey World Championships will be played in Canada's Saskatchewan Province. Latvia will play its group games in the city of Saskatoon.

This is the second year in a row, and third time overall, that Latvia has played at the U-20 Division A Ice Hockey World Championships.

The roster of the Latvian team participating at the World Championships is as follows: goalies – Dainis Vasiljevs, Raimonds Ermics, Janis Kalnins; defenders – Alberts Ilisko, Janis Smits, Ralfs Freibergs, Karlis Kalvitis, Rolands Gritans, Martins Jakovlevs, Eriks Sevcenko, Gvido Kauss; forwards – Roberts Bukarts, Rolands Vigners, Raimonds Vilkoits, Gunars Skvorcovs, Arturs Mickevics, Juris Upitis, Miks Indrasis, Elvis Veldze, Miks Lipsbergs, Rolands Kenins, Ronalds Cinks, Edgars Ulescenko, Roberts Mazins.