It was officially a sellout, and the only empty seats, likely weather-related, as the Nick Smith Centre in Arnprior was the scene of a second World Junior Exhibition contest last night, after hosting the Kazakhstan-Germany game December 19th.
Latvia, the Town’s billet team, played host to Switzerland- and people came as far away as the North Pole to take it in.
The game was scoreless after the first period, but two quick Swiss goals to open the second frame set the tone for the rest of the contest, as Switzerland pressed the attack throughout the encounter.
Switzerland outshot Latvia 13-10 after one period, and 14-8 in the second.
While the Swiss also led the penalty box parade, Team Latvia was unable to capitalize on its power play, as what appeared to be the smaller team was out-muscled and out-gunned.
Arnprior Rivermen team owner Adrian Moyes provided entertainment with a trick-shot demonstration during the second intermission.
The Latvians averted the shutout by scoring with 6:35 left in the match, as the final score ended up Switzerland 5, Latvia 1. Both squads are now off to Ottawa for the IIHF World Junior Championships which begin Boxing Day in the Nation’s Capital.
By Rick Stow
