Canadian defenceman Matthew Schaefer will miss the rest of the world junior hockey championship. Schaefer was injured early in the first period of Canada's 3-2 shootout loss to Latvia last night after he crashed into the net.

Defenseman Matthew Schaefer, the current favorite to be the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, was injured early in the first period of Team Canada’s round-robin game on Friday against Latvia during the World Juniors in Ottawa.

The 17-year-old will miss the rest of the world junior hockey championship after he was injured playing for Canada in Friday’s stunning 3-2 shootout loss to Latvia

Horrible news for Canada at the World Junior Championship. And I’m not talking about yesterday’s loss to Latvia… Aside from this national disappointment, the young 17-year-old defender Matthew Schaefer left the game yesterday after colliding with the post.

Defenseman Matthew Schaefer will miss the remainder of the World Junior Championship, Team Canada announced Saturday.Schaefer collided with the net at full speed and subsequently crashed into the boards during the first period of Friday's shocking 3-2 shootout loss to Latvia.

This was the first time Latvia had beaten Canada at the World Junior Championship. Related: What Canada Fans Can Anticipate From OHL Players At The World Junior Championship Washington Capitals prospect Eriks Mateiko scored the shootout winner for Latvia after both goaltenders stopped 15 consecutive attempts.

One of Canada’s top defencemen left the ice after a scary scene on Friday at the world junior championship. Matthew Schaefer slammed his shoulder into the Latvia net and fell into the boards after he drove to the net and had a shot stopped early in the first period at Canadian Tire Centre.