Latvia beats Kazakhstan with powerful hockey performance

Latvia's ice hockey team turned in a vintage display May 20 to hand a heavy defeat to Kazakhstan in the IIHF World Championship tournament in Rīga.

The hosts ran out winners 7:0 with Rodrigo Ābols scoring two goals, while Rihards Bukarts, Oskars Batņa, Mārtiņš Dzierkals, Miks Indrašis and Kaspars Daugaviņš each scored one.

Artūrs Šilovs remained unbeaten in goal and the best player of the game was Rūdolfs Balcers. As a result of the loss, Kazakhstan cannot now qualify for the knock-out stages, but Latvia's hopes are still alive.

Latvia's final game in the group stage will be against table-topping Switzerland on Tuesday, May 23. At present Latvia is tied with Canada for third place in the group. Only Slovakia can overtake Latvia, but to do so the Slovaks must take maximum points from both of their remaining matches and even that will not be enough if Latvia wins against Switzerland.   

You can find full details and coverage at LSM's dedicated ice hockey section and the official world championship website.

 

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