Canada falls to USA at Para Ice Hockey Championship
Team Canada lost 3-0 to Team USA in preliminary round action on Wednesday night in Moose Jaw at the Para Ice Hockey Championships.
The two teams were both undefeated heading into the matchup and fighting to finish as the top seed in the ‘A Pool’.
“I think we got better as the game went on. I think one thing we have to remind ourselves is they don’t give out medals on day four of the World Championships,” Team Canada captain Tyler McGregor said.
The U.S. came out as a powerhouse in the first period. Outshooting Canada 10-1 after 15 minutes of play. They would eventually find the back of the net in the second period just over five minutes in to make it 1-0. The shots after two periods were 17-3 in favour of the U.S.
The third period was a tough bounce for Canada, who struggled to stay out of the penalty box. The Americans would eventually capitalize on a power play with under four minutes to go to make it 2-0.
Canada would then pull their goalie with just over a minute and a half remaining but the U.S. would get past them once again to make it a 3-0 final. The Americans outshot the Canadians 22-8.
“Regardless of the outcome, we’re proud of our team. I thought our third period was our best period. We competed hard and obviously had great goaltending. We started to make simple, quick plays as the game went on. That started to generate more offensive chances and I think we carry that forward into our semi-final game on Saturday,” McGregor said.
Despite the loss, both Canada and the USA have a bye to the semi-final. Both finished in the top two spots of ‘Pool A’ and due to the international ranking system the top two teams from the A side get a bye over the top team from ‘Pool B’.
Despite the loss and lack of offensive zone play the captain and head coach were both not worried about the outcome heading into finals.
“We just have to look forward, have a short memory and focus on ourselves. I think what’s most important right now is just instilling belief in ourselves and within each other. Bring out the best that we have to offer and we just do that every single day and that’s all you can ask from your team. Hopefully at the end of the day that results in the ultimate goal of a gold medal,” McGregor shared.
“We’re just worried about us and what we bring. Sports are such a great example of what life is. Just show up, be your best and if fate is there for you that particular day then you’re ready to open the door when it knocks,” Team Canada head coach Russ Herrington said.
Even though Canada never had the chance to score in front of their big home crowd against their biggest rivals, it was still a surreal experience for the team who are competing on home soil for the first time in the World Championships.
“It was something really exciting for us being here and playing in front of our home crowd. They bring energy like we had an [extra] player for us on our side, that’s something we really enjoy,” goaltender Dominic Larocque said.
Canada will now wait to find out who its opponent is in the semi-final on Saturday.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories

Health Canada recalls multiple Rainbow Road Board books due to choking hazard
Health Canada has issued a recall notice affecting multiple Rainbow Road Board books due to a potential choking hazard.
U.S., India talking about Canada murder, no 'special exemption': Biden adviser
The U.S. is in touch with Indians at high levels after Ottawa said Indian government agents had links to the murder of a Sikh separatist leader in Canada, and Washington is giving India no 'special exemption' in the matter, U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan said on Thursday.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy set to arrive in Ottawa for first visit since war
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to arrive in the national capital for his first official visit to Canada since Russia launched a full-scale invasion in February 2022.
B.C. First Nation research finds 158 child deaths at four facilities
An investigation into unmarked graves and missing children by British Columbia's Sto:lo Nation has revealed at least 158 deaths, most of them at an Indigenous hospital.
Is a 'no-tipping' policy ready to be adopted by Canadian restaurants?
As Canadians report their frustrations with 'out-of-control' tipping culture, some wonder whether it is time to remove the option to tip at restaurants and is it even possible amid rising food costs?
Canadian-founded Rumble slams 'deeply inappropriate' inquiry from U.K. MPs on Russell Brand content
A Canadian-founded video platform which has found success among right-wing commentators says it will not be removing the ability for Russell Brand to monetize videos on their platform after receiving an inquiry on the subject from the U.K. government amid a wave of sexual assault allegations against the comic.
Law firm awarded $4.5 million contract for David Johnston foreign interference probe
A Toronto-based law firm was awarded a nearly $4.5 million contract to work on former special rapporteur David Johnston's ill-fated foreign interference probe.
Man admits to fatally poisoning Toronto toddler's breakfast cereal in 'obsessive' plot against married woman
A Toronto man has admitted to fatal poisoning of a toddler's breakfast cereal at a Scarborough residence in 2021 as part of an "obsessive" plot against a married woman.
'I don't know when we'll go': Travel plans upended amid fraying Canada-India ties
Members of the Indo-Canadian community are reeling after the Indian government suspended visa services for citizens of Canada, upending travel plans for those set on visiting the country but now caught in the crossfire of a diplomatic blowup.