PARADISE, N.L. – Canada’s National Para Hockey Team finished with the silver medal at the 2019 Canadian Tire Para Hockey Cup after a tight 2-1 loss to the United States on Saturday night at the Paradise Double Ice Complex.
It is the seventh silver medal for the Canadians (2009, 2012, January 2016, December 2016, 2017, 2018 2019) to go along with five gold (2007, 2008, April 2011, November 2011, 2013) and one bronze (2015).
“I thought it was an amazing game. The atmosphere was electric and [Paradise] put on a tremendous event,” said Canadian captain Tyler McGregor (Forest, Ont.). “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.”
The Americans struck first midway through the second period and got another six minutes into the third before Billy Bridges (Summerside, P.E.I.) cut the lead to one just over a minute later with his 189th career goal. Despite several late chances, the Canadians couldn’t find the equalizer.
Dominic Larocque (Quebec City, Que.) was terrific in the Canadian goal, finishing with 19 saves in a crowd-pleasing performance.
“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 Liam Hickey (St. John’s, N.L.). “Knowing how much work my family and friends have put into this, and to see it go off so well, I am honored that Hockey Canada could come here and we could showcase Newfoundland to the whole world.”
Russia blanks Czechs to win bronze
Russia ensured it left the Canadian Tire Para Hockey Cup with a medal for the third time in four appearances, earning a 5-0 win over the Czech Republic for bronze. Nikolai Terentev led the way with two goals for the Russians, who also won bronze in 2013 and silver in January 2016. Ilia Volkov, Airat Khamzin and Aleksei Eremin also scored, while Evgenii Plotnikov made nine saves for the shutout
The 2020 Canadian Tire Para Hockey Cup will be played in Bridgewater, N.S.
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