Stream: Canadian Paralympic Committee

Canada’s National Para Hockey Team is back in the gold medal game at the IPC World Para Hockey Championship for the fifth-consecutive tournament, taking on cross-border rival the United States in search of its fifth world title.

LAST GAME

Canada’s 2-1 win over RPC on Friday may appear to be a tight contest on paper, but in reality, the Canadians controlled most of the game play despite running into penalty trouble. Liam Hickey opened the scoring while shorthanded early and RPC did not record a single shot on goal in either the first or third periods thanks to great team defence. Tyler McGregor scored the game-winner for Canada in the second period, while Dominic Larocque stopped six of seven shots, all in the middle frame.

The U.S. win over South Korea was a much more emphatic 9-0 victory. Josh Pauls led the way with two goals and two assists for the Americans, who allowed just a single shot – in the third period – while hammering Korean goaltender Jae Woong Lee with 47.

LAST MEETING

Canada opened the 2021 para worlds with a 2-1 win over the Americans, in what was its toughest challenge to date. James Dunn, who was injured in the game and ruled out for the rest of the tournament, and McGregor scored in the win. Larocque faced more shots in this one game than his other two appearances combined, stopping 15 of 16.

WHAT TO WATCH

If history is any indicator, this game will be fast, hard-hitting and intense.

Hickey is often a key contributor in any Canadian win. His furious speed and ability to start plays will make him a target for the American defence. Canada will need to keep the attack balanced and moving quickly to avoid too much attention on the East Coast product.

Since its game against Canada in the preliminary round, the U.S. has not been challenged. But it has also not slowed its pace. The Americans have managed 130 shots over their last three games, while only giving up four. Their defense hasn’t been tested much and could take some time getting back to pace with the Canadian attack.

A LOOK BACK

It’s the 103rd meeting between the North Americans, and the fifth with a world title on the line.

The run began in 2013, when Canada picked up its third world title with a 1-0 win thanks to a Graeme Murray goal. After a 3-0 loss in 2015, Canadians won their most recent title in 2017 with familiar names McGregor and Hickey hitting the scoresheet in a 4-1 victory. Billy Bridges also had three assists, a trend he’s been continuing in 2021.

The most recent golden game came in 2019 (also in Ostrava), when the U.S. defeated Canada 3-2 in overtime. Despite having the lead twice in the game, including with less than four minutes to go, Canada was unable to seal the win. McGregor and Rob Armstrong scored, while Larocque made 19 saves in the loss.

All-time record: Canada leads 58-43-1
Canada goals: 217
United States goals: 173