Roberts Naudiņš – McKeen's Hockey

2026 WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP: Daily Recap- December 28th, 2025- Game Summaries – Standout Performances – Notable Draft Eligible Prospects

Kyle Pereira and Linc Zdancewicz — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 17:31:46 +0000

A lighter Day 3 schedule featured a powerhouse Swedish team taking on a tough out in Switzerland, while Finland took on Latvia in the late afternoon game.

SWEDEN v SWITZERLAND

Early, Switzerland gave Sweden some issues with their forecheck pressure and even got one dangerous look that rang off the post. But Sweden would strike first, as Leo Sahlin Wallenius made an excellent entry, then set up Eric Nilsson driving the net hard. The Swiss would go on to kill off two penalties with a very aggressive kill, before Beni Waidacher snuck a shot past Love Harenstam. While Leon Muggli and Daniil Ustinkov got the assists, the play was started Nathan Borradori, who forced a turnover along the wall, then came screaming down towards the net and getting an excellent look. The rebound eventually worked its way to Waidacher’s goal. The second period was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams getting power plays and both goalies standing tall when called upon. But before the period could end, Lars Steiner would fire a beautiful shot that was so well placed, play continued, thinking it went off the crossbar. The third period, however, the Swedes would find their groove. The youngster Viggo Bjorck would tie the game, with Alfons Freij and Anton Lundell grabbing the helpers less than a minute in. A few minutes later, they would take the lead off a goal from Lucas Pettersson. The Swiss pulled their goalie, and shortly after, Sweden would capitalize. Pettersson would snag his second of the game, with Ivar Stenberg getting the assist.

MVPs

Sweden: Anton Frondell, Lucas Pettersson, Linus Eriksson

Switzerland: Elijah Neuenschwander, Lars Steiner, Leon Muggli

FINLAND V LATVIA

Latvia came out much flatter today against Finland when Emil Hemming scored his first goal on the first shot of the day. Overall, the Finns controlled the Latvians very well from that point, generating excellent chance after chance 5v5 but not breaking through on the power play. They would tally two more goals on Mikus Vecvanags on goals from Jasper Kuhta and Max Westergard. Kuhta’s goal was one to forget for the Montreal drafted net-minder as he knocked the puck into his own net with the heel of his goal stick. The Finns would start the second period by finally breaking through on their third power play of the day on Emil Hemming’s second goal of the day. That offensive domination continued throughout the entire rest of the second, including a Joona Saarelainen goal that put the Finns up by five. The Finnish offensize zone cycle was absolutely deadly as they continued to skate literal circles around the Latvians in their own end, with a 15-1 shot advantage in the second alone. The dominance continued into the third as the Finns just continued to skate around every Latvian not named Alberts Smits. Roope Vesterainen, Heikki Ruohonen, and Lasse Boelius put up three more even strength goals early on as they just kept the foot fully on the pedal until the very end.

MVP’s

Finland: Emil Hemming, Niklas Nykyri, the entire defense legitimately.

Latvia: Alberts Smits, Bruno Osmanis, Roberts Naudins

INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCES

EMIL HEMMING (FIN) 2G

The Dallas Stars’ 2024 first rounder made his mark today for the Finns, giving them momentum on his very first shot. He found space under the legs of the Latvian netminder and picked him in style. Hemming’s impact on the game continued from there on out as he created chance after chance with his stick and his skating. His danger level jumped to deadly when on the power play getting several high-velocity shots off before finally finding space in the five hole once again on a high-powered clapper. The Finn has been under-utilizing his shot for the OHL’s Barrie Colts, tallying only 8 in the first half but he made the most of it today. Hemming’s offensive game has rounded out very well and he’ll continue to show it every time he gets the opportunity to this tournament. The real test will see how dangerous his shot can be against the bigger teams in this group, Canada and Czechia.

LINUS ERIKSSON (SWE)

Despite not recording any points, the Florida Panthers’ 2024 second round draft choice was one of the most noticeable players on the ice for the Swedes in what was initially a frustrating game. He was driving hard on forechecks, winning battles along the boards, and doing all of the little things so very well. Him and Milton Gastrin worked together in tight checking situations to extend offensive possessions and be a pain to the sides of Swiss defenders all game long. While things like that won’t show up on the score sheet, there was no doubt Eriksson made his presence felt when he was out on the ice.

DRAFT ELIGIBLES

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 27: Latvia's Alberts Smits #23 skates against Canada in the first period during Preliminary Round - Group B action at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship at 3M Arena at Mariucci on December 27, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. (Photo by Tim Austen/IIHF)

ALBERTS SMITS (LAT) 0 points

The only bright side in the 8-0 drubbing the Latvians was the 18-year-old left defenseman, Alberts Smits. In a game where almost every skater on the Latvian roster was tired from the gauntlet of Canada from the day prior, Smits was unphased, going about his regular business defending the rush and being the only player to contribute to the counterattack. Smits’ frame combined with his speed and energy is a deadly force on defence, quelling the Finnish attack every second he was on the ice, finishing the day as one of the only Latvians registering a zero for his plus/minus, through two periods, and finishing the day with a -2 with over 22 minutes played. With three minutes left to go in the game, he was deep in the offensive zone, forechecking hard, trying desperately to create something, anything for Latvia to save some pride during this beating. That effort did not go unnoticed by anyone still left in the arena that late and certainly won’t go unnoticed when it’s draft day.

JUHO PIIPARINEN (FIN) 1A

On a day where Finland did very, very little wrong, Piiparinen was still a big stand-out on the day. Outside of this tournament, he is praised for his play in all three zones, but being more known as a conservative, defensively responsible kid. But against a weaker Latvian team, Piiparinen was moving the puck incredibly well through the neutral zone and the offensive zones. His confidence on the puck in the offensive end was something he put on full display against Latvia and made him an easy draft-eligible standout.

Interview with Juho Piiparinen

McKeens: How has your transition to Liiga helped grow your game and what have you learned playing with the older guys there in Finland?

JP: The compete level is up, really helps to develop my game every day. They’re bigger, faster guys, so I think it’s good that I’m there because it gives me a good challenge.

McKeens: On your game, when you’re looking to move the puck up ice and transition to offense, what is it that goes through your head? What is it that you are looking for out there?

JP: I’m just checking for where the forwards are looking to press me and where our own guys are going, where’s my D partner, the other forwards? Do I have space to skate in or do I just give an easy pass?

McKeens: When facing the rush and the opposition is skating down your side, what is it you look for and how do you prevent an entry?

JP: I’m just counting their men, where they are going. Am I in the right position? Where are my own guys, where is my D partner? Can I pinch or not? Those kinds of things.

McKeens: Back in the defensive zone, what is your focus to prevent scoring chances against?

JP: I’m just trying to stay close to my guy, box him out, or if he’s got the puck in the corner, I’d try to win the puck back and battle hard.

McKeens: You and Suvanto are both draft-eligible guys. What’s it like having him on the ice out there with you?

JP: Yeah, it’s helping. We are roommates, he’s a good friend of mine. He’s playing Tappara also. It’s great having a guy that’s the same age as me. It’s giving me, kind of, a great feeling to have him be there. Gives me confidence.

McKeens: This tournament is typically dominated by older players here, but for you as a young player, what can you learn from the older guys on the team here?

JP: Of course, you have to learn everything. They give you advice to defend, be yourself and the biggest tip from what I have gotten, they’re saying to just is enjoy it, play your style.

McKeens: Last question, it’s great to have a group that’s really close with each other, great friends. Can you take me through some of the guys behind the scenes who are funny and fun to be around? Good trash talkers or funny stories in the room?

JP: That’s a tough question. I think Suvanto is a pretty good trash talker on the ice. I think Kiviharju is good at pumping up the guys as the captain. Some guys, Leo Tuuva and Niklas Nykyri, they have fun stories in the locker room, and lots of them.

2025 WORLD JUNIORS: Team Preview – Team Latvia

Brock Otten — Sat, 21 Dec 2024 19:00:06 +0000

_{Eriks Mateiko}

For the fourth straight year, the Latvians will be playing out of the main group at the World Junior Championships, a landmark achievement for a hockey nation on the rise. And while the team has only two wins (three if you count their relegation win in 2023) across the last three tournaments, they have managed to remain competitive, challenging the best nations in the world. This has led to the drafting of several Latvian players over the last few years.

Can the Latvians continue to find that success this year? As has been the case the last few years, the key for Latvia will be defeating the other perceived “weaker” team in their division in order to earn a quarterfinal spot, while avoiding the relegation round. This year, that team would be Germany, as Latvia finds itself in a pool with Canada, the United States, and Finland, all perceived gold medal contenders. That game is scheduled for December 30th, towards the end of the round-robin and it should be a great one for viewers.

One of the big challenges for Latvia this year will be replacing Dans Locmelis (BOS) and Sandis Vilmanis (FLA), two quality NHL prospects who have since aged out. Both were a fixture for Latvia at the previous few events. The torch now passes to Eriks Mateiko (WSH), Darels Uljanskis (ANA), potential 2025 pick Bruno Osmanis, and top 2026 NHL draft prospect Olivers Murnieks. Osmanis has had some great success playing against men in the Swedish Allsvenskan this year with Björklöven. While Murnieks has had a very strong U17 year in the USHL with Sioux City.

Another big challenge will be health. Kristers Ansons, the younger brother of Pittsburgh Penguins prospect and former QMJHL standout (and Memorial Cup standout) Raivis Ansons, looked like a solid bet to play a key role on this roster, however, he will miss the tournament due to injury. Additionally, likely team captain and top player Eriks Mateiko has been injured in the QMJHL, having not played for a few weeks heading into this tournament. How truly healthy will he be?

To their benefit, the Latvians also return five of seven defenders from last year’s team and two netminders. That kind of experience on the “back end” should help them defend competitively, giving them a chance to keep games close. As mentioned, they face an uphill battle in a very difficult division, but they’ve proven that they should not be counted out for a potential upset.

Key Players

Eriks Mateiko - Wing

The captain of the QMJHL’s Saint John Sea Dogs and a third-round selection of the Washington Capitals, Mateiko feels like a lock to captain this Latvian group too. The big power winger was a complementary piece on last year’s WJC team, but he’ll need to be a primary play driver this year should Latvia want to avoid the relegation round. He can play a really effective North/South game with his speed and frame. The workmanlike mentality fits in well with the rest of this group.

Darels Uljanskis - Defense

Another NHL draft pick on this roster, Uljanskis was a seventh-rounder of Anaheim last year. The intelligent two-way defender is going to be given all the ice time that he can handle at this tournament as a 19-year-old. He’s going to quarterback the top powerplay unit, which has the potential to be decent, and he could push toward 27-28 minutes in most games. He has had a solid year in the Swedish J20 league with AIK, is currently a top-five defenseman scoring in the league and will be entering the tournament with a ton of confidence.

Bruno Osmanis - Wing

While not currently on the radar as a potential top two-round selection for 2025, Osmanis could certainly improve his stock with a strong tournament as a potential go-to offensive player. He’s had some great success playing a third-line role in the Swedish Allsvenskan and has some speed to burn from the outside. He had previously shown great chemistry with Olivers Murnieks, so one has to wonder if they reunite the two.

Olivers Murnieks - Center

Can Murnieks challenge Zemgus Girgensons as the highest-drafted NHL Latvian player in history (14th overall) next year (2026)? It’s too early to say, but the pivot is a very talented player having a solid rookie season in the USHL with Sioux City. Among U17 players in the USHL, he currently sits in the top five but has been as high as number one at different points of the season. He’s a highly intelligent playmaker, but the question is…can he be a difference-maker as a triple underager?

Peteris Bulans - Defense

One of the key defenders and returnees on this roster, Bulans is now in his third season in the QMJHL with Chicoutimi. A competent puck mover, Bulans likely sees a ton of ice time similar to Uljanskis, although it remains to be seen whether the coaching staff puts them together on the same pairing. The best guess would have them playing separately to anchor both the first two pairings.

Linards Feldbergs - Goaltender

Feldbergs played sparingly at last year’s tournament but returns this year with a chance to be the team’s starting netminder. He’s been starting and playing well for Sherbrooke of the QMJHL this year and will not only be accustomed to the playing surface in Ottawa, but also he’ll be familiar with some of the players with Canada. Look for him to get the start against Canada, at the very least.

Karlis Flugins - Wing

While Flugins has been a bit underwhelming for Flint in the OHL this year, he has a chance to play a critical offensive support role for Team Latvia. The energetic, but skilled winger, hasn’t received a lot of ice time in Flint, so it will be interesting to see what he can do with more responsibility on a grander stage. Not eligible until the 2025 NHL Draft due to a late birthday, this could be a chance for Flugins to make a name for himself, especially if things don’t work out in Flint long term.

Viktors Kurbaka - Defense

Another returnee from last year’s defensive group, Kurbaka is someone who has a chance to wear a letter for Latvia at this event considering that he’s worn an “A” at events like the U18’s and World Junior A Challenge. The smooth skating defender has been playing out of Czechia the last two seasons and likely pairs with one of Uljanskis or Bulans in the top four.

Aksels Ozols - Goaltender

The other returning goaltender on this roster, Ozols will compete for the starter’s job. While his stint with Charlottetown of the QMJHL didn’t work out well last year, he has played well since returning home to the Latvian pro league this season. He has previously been the starter for this age group at the U18s and the WJACs, but given Feldbergs’ strong play this year in a North American league, one would guess that they start the tournament in a platoon.

Rudolfs Berzkalns - Center/Wing

Murnieks isn’t the only hyped 2008-born forward in the USHL this year. Berzkalns, a former BK Selects player (meaning he has been in North America for a few years now), has been a standout as a role player for Muskegon after tendering with them. He’s also a Boston College commit. The highly skilled forward has positional versatility and could be someone to watch if he’s given the ice time to shine.

Sleeper Player

Roberts Naudiņš - Wing

Yet another high-end 2008-born player who could play some kind of role for this team, however, Naudins is unquestionably the most raw. The big (6’6) forward has been playing with the Shattuck St. Mary’s program, in addition to being a Harvard commit. But, how much of a role can we truly expect Naudins to play given the huge jump from prep hockey to the World Juniors?