ZUG, Switzerland - Jeremy Roy had three goals to power Canada past Latvia 11-6 on Wednesday in its opening game of the world under-18 hockey championship.

Canada took command of the contest by outscoring Latvia 6-0 in the second period to take an 8-3 advantage.

Captain Mitchell Stephens added two goals and an assist for Canada, which outshot Latvia 44-22. Nicolas Roy, Ethan Bear, Brett Howden, Jansen Harkins, Kyle Capobianco and Guillaume Brisebois had the others.

Canada's Zachary Sawchenko stopped 16 shots in goal.

Karlis Cukste, Kristaps Zile, Filips Buncis, Emils Ezitis, Ricards Bernhards and Bruno Priede replied for Latvia.

Canada resumes tournament action Saturday against Switzerland.

Canada has won this event three times (2003, 2008 and 2013) and finished third last year.