The sides were inseparable for the first two periods, as both scored one each either side of the initial break.

However, a third-period onslaught saw the Canadians find the net three times courtesy of Samuel Blais, Tyler Toffoli, and Scott Laughton to put the title out of sight.

The Germans had been solid in the match but unravelled in the final 20 minutes.

Blais' goal was the result of a cheap turnover from Maksymilian Szuber who was stripped of the puck by Cody Glass behind the German goal.

Glass then attempted a wraparound before Blais buried the rebound.

Toffoli's strike came from another error as Marcel Noebels fluffed a prime goal-scoring opportunity which caused the puck to race towards Toffoli who went up the ice to score.

Laughton slotted the puck into an empty net late on as German goaltender Mathias Niederberger had abandoned his defensive duties to offer attacking support.

The win was notable for 18-year-old Adam Fantilli who became just the second Canadian and 11^th player to be a victor at the World Junior Championship and World Championship.

Gold continues to evade Germany as they are yet to taste glory at the event.

They have to settle for what is their first silver at the World Championship since 1953.

Earlier in the day, Kristians Rubins scored a late equaliser and sudden-death overtime winner for Latvia as they came from behind to beat the United States 4-3 for the bronze medal.

The triumph secured Latvia's first ever medal at an International Ice Hockey Federation event.

"For the big teams like Canada, this is what they do," said forward Miks Indrašis.

"They win medals all the time.

"But for us, it's like a one-time opportunity.

"This is unreal."