Weegar collects 3 points as Canada routs host Latvia in men's hockey worlds opener
Sam Montembeault makes 23 saves in shutout effort for Canadians
MacKenzie Weegar had a goal and two assists as Canada downed co-host Latvia Friday in its opening game at the world men's hockey championship in Riga, Latvia.
Lawson Crouse, Scott Laughton, Sammy Blais, Joe Veleno and Jack McBain also had goals as the Canadians spread the scoring around.
"I do not really know how I would have drawn it up, but it is such an honour to wear this jersey and represent my country," said Weegar, who made his Team Canada debut on Friday.
"This game will help build some confidence among our group. A lot of guys were able to help contribute offensively, but that is not what it is all about for us. It is about winning as a team and improving in all areas," the Calgary Flames defenceman added.
WATCH | Canada crushes Latvia:
Sam Montembeault made 23 saves for the shutout.
Ivars Punnenovs allowed two goals on five shots in the Latvia goal before giving way to Arturs Silovs, who surrendered four goals on 24 shots.
"It was important for us to establish our identity and how we want to play," Canada coach Andre Tourigny said. "We want to be a hard-checking team, and we know we have skill and contribute offensively, but we also want our guys to check and buy in to play the same way."
Canada returns to action Sunday against Slovenia.
Canada and Finland have met in the last three finals, with the Finns winning in 2019 and 2022 and Canada victorious in 2021 in Riga.
U.S., Czechs, Sweden also win
Meanwhile, the United States overcame defending champion Finland 4-1.
Alex Tuch scored two goals and Drew O'Connor had a goal and two assists to lead the U.S. Cutter Ganthier also scored and goaltender Casey DeSmith stopped 23 shots in Tampere, Finland.
Teemu Hartikainen gave the hosts a 1-0 lead late in the opening period on a power play before Ganthier tied it from the left circle in the second.
O'Connor and Tuch completed the rally midway through the final period. Tuch scored his second into an empty net.
Oscar Lindberg scored the lone goal on a power play for Sweden to beat Germany 1-0 in Tampere.
Finland and Latvia are staging the tournament after the hosting rights were stripped from Russia because of the war in Ukraine. Tampere was one of the host cities last year, and Riga was a host in 2021.
Russia and its ally Belarus are excluded from the tournament for the second straight year.
With files from The Associated Press
