Rough start for Mateiko, Latvia

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

It's been a rough start to the IIHF World Junior Championship for Eriks Mateiko and Team Latvia.

The Latvians are off to an 0-2 start, falling 6-0 to Sweden on Boxing Day and 10-0 to Team Canada on Wednesday. The good news for Latvia: the toughest games, on paper at least, are behind them. The team's two remaining preliminary round games will see them take on Finland (who fell to Germany on Wednesday) and the Germans.

Mateiko had one shot in 15:07 of ice time on Boxing Day. He followed that up with two shots in 18:16 of ice time against Team Canada.

Latvia is back in action on Friday against Finland.

The only other Saint John Sea Dogs connection at this year's tournament is equipment manager Tyler Jay, who is working with the Canadian squad. Canada is off to a 2-0 start following wins over Finland and Latvia.

Sea Dogs forward Eriks Mateiko and equipment manager Tyler Jay facing off today at the #WorldJuniors 🙌#GoDogsGo pic.twitter.com/JwieB8Jair

— Saint John Sea Dogs (@SJSeaDogs) December 27, 2023

The Spengler Cup is also underway with Team Canada kicking off the event with a 4-0 win over Frölunda HC on Boxing Day. The Canadian roster features three former Sea Dogs: forward Chris DiDomenico and defensemen Nathan Beaulieu and Eric Gelinas.

DiDomenico had an assist in Team Canada's first game. The squad returns to action on Thursday against host HC Davos.

Davos features former Sea Dogs forward Tomas Jurco. Beaulieu, Gelinas and Jurco were all members of Saint John's 2011 Memorial Cup championship team.