Top standouts from USA vs. Latvia in quarterfinal World Junior Championship game

There was never really a doubt that the United States was going to pull through against Latvia, and they never relented in a 7-2 victory to win their quarterfinal matchup.

USA will await official word on their next playoff opponent following the Sweden vs. Switzerland game later today. Latvia will return for the 2025 tournament, their fourth consecutive event, after replacing Russia in the 2022 summer tournament.

The Americans scored three times in the first period, with Drew Fortescue, Gabe Perreault and Seamus Casey all beating Deivs Rolovs. Dans Locmelis scored his first of two goals to keep things close in the first period, but a three-goal second period by the Americans put things way out of reach. Add in a goal from Oliver Moore in the third, and it didn’t matter that Locmelis had another goal as the United States skated to an easy win.

USA

#34 Gabe Perreault, LW (New York Rangers)/#6 Will Smith, C (San Jose Sharks)/#9 Ryan Leonard, RW (Washington Capitals): It wouldn’t be a USA world junior game with the Boston College line popping off. Nobody played as well as Perreault, who scored two goals and added an assist in the best game the trio has played this tournament. Leonard has a pair of good stretch passes, Smith was dangerous around the net, and Perreault’s bunt to score the sixth goal was one of the nicest of the tournament.

#26 Seamus Casey, D (New Jersey Devils): Casey had three assists in the lopsided affair while also making himself a pain in the behind to try and get past. We know Casey can generate chances, but he’s one heck of physical defender, too.

#11 Oliver Moore, LW (Chicago Blackhawks): Moore is making a case to stay on that top line. He replaced Jimmy Snuggerud when the Blues’ prospect went down with an illness and remained on the line, bringing his trademark speed to the equation. That was especially noticeable against a weaker Latvian team today, outracing two defenders to score a goal.

#19 Cutter Gauthier, C (Philadelphia Flyers): Gauthier’s shot makes him so dangerous, but his playmaking has taken over in Sweden. His behind-the-goal-line feed to Moore was great, and he helped set up the first goal, too. Gauthier probably could have had another 2-3 if his linemates could have finished.

Latvia

#11 Dans Locmelis, C (Boston Bruins): Locmelis seemed to be the only Latvian that gave it his all today. He scored to make it 2-1 and then added a second goal on the power play late in the going. Locmelis played his two best of the tournament at the end as the team finally started to find some life, but he can’t do it all on his own.