Peterka scores twice for Germany in 8-1 rout of Latvia at hockey worlds
Germany's John Peterka, right, tries to score as Latvia's Kristaps Roberts Zile blocks him during the preliminary round match between Germany and Latvia at the Ice Hockey World Championships in Ostrava, Czech Republic, Wednesday, May 15, 2024. Credit: AP/Darko Vojinovic
PRAGUE — JJ Peterka scored twice in Germany's 8-1 rout of Latvia at the ice hockey world championship on Wednesday.
Germany, last year’s runner-up, netted five times in the second period in Ostrava to hand last year's bronze medalist its first loss.
The victory was Germany's second in four Group B games.
Dominik Kahun, Kai Wissmann, Leonhard Pfoderl, Parker Tuomie, Marc Michaelis and Nico Sturm also scored and Philipp Grubauer made 20 saves.
Markuss Komuls got Latvia on the board in the final minute of the second period.
In Group A in Prague, the Czech Republic recovered from a 2-1 loss to Switzerland in a shootout by topping Denmark 7-4 for its third win. Ondrej Palat led the Czechs with a goal and an assist.
Denmark recorded its third defeat.
Germany's Kai Wissmann celebrates with teammates after scoring his side's second goal during the preliminary round match between Germany and Latvia at the Ice Hockey World Championships in Ostrava, Czech Republic, Wednesday, May 15, 2024. Credit: AP/Darko Vojinovic
Later, Switzerland beat Britain 3-0 with Akira Schmid stopping 15 shots in the fourth victory for the Swiss. It was the third straight loss for newcomer Britain. In Group B, Slovakia blanked winless newcomer Poland 4-0 for its third victory.
