BRIDGES’ FOUR POINTS LEAD CANADA TO VICTORY IN TOURNAMENT OPENER

ASAHIKAWA, Japan – New location, same result for Canada’s National Sledge Team.

After taking two of three games from Norway in late October on Norwegian soil in Gjovik, Canada continued their winning ways against their European rivals on Tuesday, getting two goals and two assists from Billy Bridges (Summerside, PE) in a 5-3 win in the opening game for both at the Japan Paralympic 2008 Ice Sledge Hockey International Match.

Bradley Bowden (Orton, ON) and Greg Westlake (Oakville, ON) also had big games for the Canadians, as each contributed three points to the win.

Canada’s special teams would strike quickly, as Bridges would open the scoring just 4:15 after the opening face-off, scoring a shorthanded goal just 29 seconds after Dany Verner (Bois-de-Filion, QC) was sent off for interference.

The North Americans would strike late in the opening 15 minutes, as Bowden and Bridges combined to set-up Westlake with just 26 seconds remaining in the first period, sending Canada to the intermission up by a pair.

The Norwegians held a big 11-3 advantage in shots on goal in the first, but Canadian goaltender Paul Rosen (Thornhill, ON) stood tall, allowing the Canadians to take advantage of their opportunities.

Norway would finally beat Rosen early in the middle frame, as Rolf Pedersen scored twice in 47 seconds to knot the game at 2-2 before the period was two minutes old, the only scoring of the second.

Bowden picked up his first of the game near the five-minute mark of what would be a wild third period, beating Norwegian netminder Roger Johansen to give Canada their second lead of the game at 3-2, and Westlake made it a two-goal lead just 63 seconds later.

But again the Norwegians would try to fight back, as Kjell Vidar Royne scored on the powerplay just 1:03 after Westlake’s goal to cut the Canadian lead in halfway with time running out.

Norway pressed for the equalizer, but the Canadian defense, led by Rosen and team captain, and Player of the Game, Jean Labonté (Hull, QC), closed the door.

Bridges capped off his big night with an empty net goal with 56 seconds to go, sealing the Canadian victory.

Helge Bjornstad was named Player of the Game for Norway, who outshot the Canadians 22-21 overall.

Canada returns to the ice at Daisetsu Arena on Wednesday, as they face the USA at 2:00 a.m. ET.

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Goals/Buts :
CAN – Billy Bridges (Bradley Bowden) 4:15 SH
CAN – Greg Westlake (Bradley Bowden, Billy Bridges) 14:34

Penalties/Pénalités :
CAN – Dany Verner (Interference) 3:44
NOR – Roger Johansen (Roughing) 5:54
CAN – Todd Nicholson (Holding) 10:22

Goals/Buts :
NOR – Rolf Pedersen 1:04
NOR – Rolf Pedersen (Morten Varnes) 1:51

Penalties/Pénalités :
CAN – Billy Bridges (Charging) 5:54
CAN – Greg Westlake (Roughing) 5:54
CAN – Jean Labonté (Holding) 9:36
CAN – Billy Bridges (Holding) 11:54

Goals/Buts :
CAN – Bradley Bowden (Greg Westlake) 4:55
CAN – Greg Westlake (Billy Bridges) 5:58
NOR – Kjell Vidar Royne (Rolf Pedersen) 7:08
CAN – Billy Bridges 14:04 EN

Penalties/Pénalités :
CAN – Billy Bridges (Roughing) 5:58
NOR – Helge Bjornstad (Holding) 9:11
CAN – Hervé Lord (Elbowing) 13:29