Latvia beat USA in overtime to claim bronze at Ice Hockey Worlds

TAMPERE, Finland — Defenseman Kristian Rubins scored his second goal 1:22 into overtime to lead Latvia to a 4-3 victory over the United States and claim a bronze medal at the Ice Hockey World Championship Sunday.

This is the first top three for Latvia at the tournament. His previous record was seventh place which he achieved three times.

The United States lost in the bronze medal game for the second year in a row. Team USA cruised through the tournament with eight straight wins until losing 4-3 to Germany in the semi-finals in overtime.

Rubins rallied Latvia with their first with 5:39 left in the final period to tie the game at 3 to force overtime.

Roberts Bukarts and Janis Jaks also scored for Latvia.

Rocco Grimaldi scored twice for the United States in the first half to nullify Latvia’s 1-0 and 2-1 leads.

Matt Coronato had put the United States 3-2 ahead 6:19 into the final period.

Canada will face Germany in the final later on Sunday.