The United States survived a late Canadian push to defeat the host side 2-1 and successfully defend its crown at the 2019 Canadian Tire Para Hockey Cup Saturday night at the Paradise Double Ice Complex.
The Americans have won six straight titles in the event, formerly known as the World Sledge Hockey Challenge, They are also the reigning Paralympic and world championship title-holders, and have won 30 top-flight international games in a row, including all five at the event in Paradise.
Other than a final result that was something less than what the fans who filled the Paradise facility wanted, the competition had to be considered a success. It was well-attended, with full houses for Canada’s evening games, and showcased the para game in an area where most had never witnessed it first-hand.
“This has been an amazing tournament. I never thought I would get the opportunity to represent my country and province in front of my home crowd,” said Canadian star Liam Hickey, the 21-year-old from St. John’s, who was very much the face of this tournament, “Knowing how much work my family and friends have put into this, and to see it go off so well, , I am honoured that Hockey Canada could come here and we could showcase Newfoundland to the whole world.””
Despite the close score the U.S. held a wide edge in play through most of Saturday’s game, outshooting the Canada 14-1 through the first two periods. But they only managed a single goal, a power-play tally by tournament-leading goal-scorer Declan Farmer, as they were otherwise stymied by a fantastic performance by Canadian netiminder Dominic Larocque.
The Americans continued their strong play into the third, unleashing six of the first seven shots in the frame and eventually getting what turned out to be the game-winner from Josh Hargis 5:42 into the period.
But Canada responded just over a minute later as Billy Bridges got a puck past United States goaltender Steve Cash.
The home team pressed for the equalizer, outshooting the U.S. 4-1 the rest of the way and getting solid scoring chances from captain Tyler McGregor, Hickey and Corbyn Smith. But Cash and his teammates persevered to maintain their perfect record in Paradise, which saw them outscore their opponents 25-2.
“The atmosphere was electric and (Paradise) put on a tremendous event,” said McGregor. “It was a physical and fast game, exactly what we’d expect out of a match-up against the U.S.
“I thought we showed a lot of resilience and a lot of persistence in battling back. We had an unreal third period, so we’re going home proud of the effort we put forth. I think the product on the ice, not only tonight but all week, was outstanding and for our sport, that’s exactly what we asked for.”
McGregor led Canada in goals (four) and points (eight) in its five games, while Hickey was second on the team with six points (2G, 4A).
Brody Roybal of the U.S. was the tournament’s top point-getter with 10. Farmer had nine points, including six goals, more than any other player over the week.
The only goals surrendered by Cash and Jen Lee, the other U.S. netminder, were to Canada, the other one coming in a 4-1 American win in the preliminary-round of the four-team tournament.
In the bronze-medal game played earlier in the day, Russia blanked the Czech Republic 5-0.
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