Elvis Merzlikins paid the tribute to the Latvians after the victory against Canada

At every Junior World Championship, there are always surprises.

The biggest surprise so far is Latvia’s victory over Canada in the first preliminary round match.

This shocked many, myself included.

When you have such a well-equipped team with so many first-round draft picks, it seems impossible to lose against the Latvians.

The effort and intensity made the difference in this match, but it was mainly goaltender Linards Feldbergs who was more than incredible.

In short, the entire team played very well and it paid off.

However, the players and staff members were not just rewarded with this victory.

Indeed, Elvis Merzlikins contacted Latvia’s management to let them know he was inviting everyone to dinner at a steakhouse in Ottawa.

This is what Bob Hartley revealed on RDS.

Bob Hartley on RDS (TSN’s french sister station) reveals that #CBJ’s Elvis Merzlikins got in touch with Latvia’s hockey program management to let them know he invited every player & member of staff to a steakhouse in Ottawa, his treat, following Latvia’s victory over Canada #WJC

— #CBJ Amateur Stats Guy (@CBJStatsGuy) December 30, 2024

A very nice gesture from the Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender.

Merzlikins called the team via Zoom while they enjoyed the goaltender’s treat to congratulate them.

While they were there, Elvis got on a Zoom call with the players to congratulate them.

Hartley was the coach of Latvia’s senior program for 5 years and still has strong ties with a lot of them, including Artis Abols (current HC of the team at the WJC), who was AC to Hartley.

— #CBJ Amateur Stats Guy (@CBJStatsGuy) December 30, 2024

Bruce Garrioch from the Ottawa Sun also confirmed that they dined at Giovanni’s, an upscale restaurant.

For those who know the restaurant, it’s really not a bad choice.

They had a nice meal at Giovanni’s. What a great gesture. https://t.co/BDKHUQ1P7W

— Bruce Garrioch (@SunGarrioch) December 31, 2024

This must have further motivated the young Latvians, who must be overflowing with confidence right now.

When do I get my invitation, Elvis?

In rapid succession

– Finally, a return to play for the Quebecer.

Jonathan Drouin est de retour au jeu pour l’Avalanche !

Le séjour du Québécois sur la liste des blessés est terminé. Il disputera un premier match depuis le 23 novembre dernier ! pic.twitter.com/z1NNJAQV3R

— RDS (@RDSca) December 31, 2024

– A first in the NHL.

Cam Fowler is expected to become the first player in NHL history to skate outdoors for his 1,000th career game. Be sure to tune into the Discover NHL #WinterClassic at 5 p.m. ET on TNT, truTV, MAX, SN, TVAS. #NHLStats

Read more: https://t.co/TKWYlgw9ei pic.twitter.com/Dl1XN8FtXN

— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) December 31, 2024

– That makes for a lot of interested teams.

Ce sont les deux tiers de la ligue qui veulent le mettre sous contrat. https://t.co/2m5P8m5Jyk

— Passion MLB (@passion_mlb) December 31, 2024

– Klay Thompson responded beautifully.

Delivery guy said “ I’m the only one that doesn’t gaf, I don’t even know who tf you are” pic.twitter.com/bXKz2jEKBE

— Manny (@Nin3rswarri3rs) December 29, 2024