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World Juniors: Canucks’ Cootes and Team Canada avoid upset loss, Sansonnens scores for Switzerland
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Photo credit: © Steven Ellis/The Nation Network
Dave Hall
Dec 28, 2025, 01:00 ESTUpdated: Dec 28, 2025, 00:54 EST
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They say history repeats itself.
Team Canada came dangerously close to reliving a painful one-year anniversary nightmare, but managed to avoid another stunning upset. In a nail-biting overtime finish, Canada edged Latvia 2–1 after surrendering a late third-period goal that forced extra time.
After a scoreless opening frame, Cole Reschny opened the scoring for Canada. Taking a feed from Gavin McKenna, the Calgary Flames prospect cut into the middle before snapping a shot past the Latvian netminder to give Canada the lead.
Despite controlling much of the play and outshooting Latvia, the Canadians were unable to pull away, leaving the door open late.
With time winding down in the third period, Latvia found its equalizer. Following up on a point shot, the puck kicked loose in front before being shovelled into the net, tying the game and briefly reigniting memories of last year’s stunning result.
This time, however, Canada responded.
Working the puck around patiently in overtime, the Canadians found Michael Hage with room from the left circle. He made no mistake, blasting home his second goal of the tournament to secure the 2–1 victory and keep Canada unbeaten through two games.
Crisis averted.
From a Canucks perspective, Braeden Cootes once again saw limited usage. After spending much of the tournament opener on the bench, the trend continued against Latvia. He finished the night with just ten shifts, logging 9:49 of ice time on Canada’s fourth line.

Sansonnens scores Switzerland’s lone goal

While Canada was grinding through a tense finish, Basile Sansonnens and Team Switzerland were opening their tournament against the host Americans.
As he had throughout the preliminary round, Sansonnens skated on Switzerland’s second defensive pairing and was trusted with steady minutes.
Trailing by a single goal midway through the game, Sansonnens stepped up with an unexpected tally. Collecting the puck at the point, the shutdown rearguard curled and snapped a perfectly placed shot off the crossbar and in to open Switzerland’s scoring.
The United States would respond shortly after with the eventual game-winning goal, holding on the rest of the way.
When all was said and done, Sansonnens logged 17:12 of ice time, finished plus-one, recorded a single shot, and accounted for Switzerland’s lone goal of the night.

What’s next

Switzerland will now face Wilson Björck and Team Sweden on Sunday at 11:00 a.m. PT.
Canada, meanwhile, will enjoy a day off before returning to action against Denmark on Monday, December 29.

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