IIHF Worlds: Latvia’s First-Ever Major Medal

"For the big teams like Canada, this is what they do…They win medals all the time. But for us, it's like a one-time opportunity. This is unreal." - Team Latvia forward, Miks Indrasis

On May 28, 2023, Latvia made history by winning bronze at a top-level IIHF tournament, their first-ever major medal at any World Hockey Championship. Latvia has never finished higher than seventh, failing to make the playoffs for three years prior to this and never making it out of the quarterfinals. Now, Latvian culture is changed forever as May 29 has been declared by parliament as a public holiday in order to commemorate this historic victory that will forever shape the country whose national sport is ice hockey. 

Latvia opened the tournament losing 6-0 to Canada and 2-1 to Slovakia but went on to win eight games straight in the 2023 Ice Hockey World Championship in Tampere-Riga. During their significant win streak, Latvia ended Switzerland's perfect tournament record and beat Sweden 3-1 in order to advance to the Final Four. They lost to Canada 4-2 after leading 2-1 through the first two periods, sending them to fight for third place against the powerful USA team, who has finished on the IIHF podium 13 times in their history. 

Heading into overtime 3-3 against the US, the game quickly became one of mental strength. The USA had been in a 90-year gold medal drought, and Latvia desperately wanted to shock their fans. one minute and 22 seconds into overtime, captain Kristians Rubins utilized American Lane Hudson’s skate for a backhanded pass and slammed the puck high to earn the game-winning and life-changing goal. The arena was packed with Lativian fans, and it was a moment none of them will forget.

May 29 is now a Latvian national holiday as declared at midnight by parliament, who were all dressed in white and red team jerseys. They unanimously declared the holiday within 10 minutes, and after its announcement, it was met with a standing ovation. Schools and universities were closed, people were sent home from their jobs, and even hospitals were closed for the day. More than 150,000 Latvians, which make up about 10% of their population, showed up at the country's capital to celebrate. In addition, Latvians continued the tradition of bringing flowers to the team they defeated, decorating the American embassy.

Latvians everywhere will remember May 28, 2023, with great fondness and patriotism for a record-breaking team that finally ended decades of loss.

"You could see what this means to them…” - Team USA forward Rocco Grimaldi