EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) – Ralfs Bergmanis had a hat trick and Latvia beat the Czech Republic 5-2 on Sunday to secure a quarterfinal spot at the world junior championships.
Latvia (1-2-1) finished third in Group A, one place ahead of the Czech Republic (1-2-1). Latvia entered the event when Russia and Belarus were kicked out.
Earlier, Kasper Simontaival had two goals and an assist in Finland’s 9-3 win over Slovakia in Group A. Joel Maatta also scored twice for Finland (2-1). Slovakia finished 0-3-1.
The U.S. faced Sweden at the top of Pool B at the end of the game.