Para Worlds Preview: Canada vs. United States
Wednesday, May 31 | 7 p.m. MT | Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan | Preliminary Round
After edging Czechia on Tuesday, Canada’s National Para Hockey Team looks to carry that momentum into its game against the United States in hopes of remaining perfect through the preliminary round at the 2023 World Para Hockey Championship.
Last Game
Canada remained undefeated in the prelims after edging Czechia 2-1 on Tuesday night. Tyler McGregor opened scoring for the second game in a row and Adam Dixon scored the game-winning goal on the power play in the second period. Dominic Larocque made nine saves between the pipes for Canada. The United States downed Korea 9-0 on Tuesday to stay perfect in the prelims, with Declan Farmer getting it done offensively. Farmer opened the scoring for the Americans with a goal 61 seconds into the game and completed the hat trick later in the game. Travis Dodson, Noah Grove and Christopher Douglas also found their way onto the scoresheet with three points each.
Last Meeting
Canada dropped a heartbreaker back in March, losing 2-1 in the final game a three-game series in Elmira, Ont. Corbyn Smith tied the game in the third period on the power play, but the Americans answered with one second remaining in regulation to sweep Canada. Dominic Larocque kept the Canadians in the game, making 21 saves.
What to Watch
A veteran on Canada’s National Para Hockey Team, Dixon’s two-way play allows him to make an impact on both ends of the ice. With a goal last night, Dixon is now two points away from 250 in his Team Canada career. With three goals and three helpers through two games in Moose Jaw, it’s only a matter of time before the 33-year-old reaches the milestone.
Farmer and Brody Roybal have been a powerful offensive duo for the Americans for the last half of the decade. The pair combined for 30 points at the 2022 Paralympic Games in Beijing and have registered seven points together so far in Moose Jaw. A big part of Canada’s success will come from limiting scoring opportunities by these two offensive dynamos.
A Look Back
Although Canada has the historical edge over the United States, the Americans have been tough competition as of late. Canada has not beaten its southern neighbour in nearly two years, recording a 4-2 win on Oct. 29, 2021, during a two-game series in St. Louis, Mo.
All-time record: Canada leads 59-55-1 Canada goals: 232 United States goals: 229
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