2017 World Sledge Hockey Challenge

U.S. OPENS EARLY LEAD, HOLDS ON TO WIN WSHC GOLD AGAIN

JASON LA ROSE

CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. – Brody Roybal and Josh Misiewicz had a goal and an assist apiece, and the United States earned a fourth-consecutive gold medal at the World Sledge Hockey Challenge with a 3-2 win over Canada.

The Americans opened a three-goal lead early in the second period before holding on to win gold for the sixth time in tournament history, breaking a tie with Canada for the most ever.

Misiewicz gave the U.S. the lead just past the nine-minute mark of the first period, taking a feed from Roybal before tucking a shot past Canadian goaltender Dominic Larocque (Quebec City, Que.) from in close.

He set up a shorthanded goal 2:55 into the second, knocking the puck away from Adam Dixon (Midland, Ont.) to spring Roybal on a breakaway, and captain Josh Pauls raced away for the 3-0 marker less than two minutes later, going to the right hand to beat Larocque.

Tyler McGregor (Forest, Ont.) got one back before the end of the middle frame, finishing a set-up from Dixon with the Canadians enjoying a five-on-three power play, and making it a two-goal game after 30 minutes.

It was down to one five minutes into the third period when Liam Hickey (St. John’s, N.L.) was left all alone in front of American netminder Steve Cash for another goal on the man advantage, setting up a wild finish.

A late power play failed to produce the tying goal and Cash did the rest, leaving the Canadians with their fifth silver medal at the World Sledge Hockey Challenge.

Canada finished with a 16-14 advantage in shots on goal.