The United States scored a shorthanded goal and another on the power play to beat Canada 3-0 and capture its fourth International Para Hockey Cup title Sunday in Ostrava, Czech Republic.
Declan Farmer led the charge for Team USA, scoring a power play goal in the second period and another into an empty net with 52 seconds left in regulation.
“I think it's a great way to end this tournament, a really solid effort from start to finish tonight,” Americas head coach David Hoff said in a statement released by USA Hockey. “From the goalkeepers to the strikers, we put in a very solid performance and hopefully this is the start of a really strong season.”
Malik Jones opened the scoring midway through the first period. intercepting a breakout attempt in the slot and passing the puck past Canadian goalkeeper Corbin Watson scored a short-handed goal.
In the second, Farmer beat Watson with his deck and tucked the puck into the net just outside the penalty area.
Griffin LaMarr stopped 11 shots in the match at the Ostrava Arena.
The US has won all four IPH Cup championships since the inaugural tournament in 2022. Last year, the Americans won 5-3 over Canada 5-3 in Ostrava.
On Sunday, the United States beat Canada 9-0 in the second period and 23-11 overall.
The Americans converted one of four power plays while the Canadians were 0-for-5.
Canada advanced to the Paralympic Hockey Cup gold medal game with a 9-1 rout of Italy on Friday.
WATCH | Full replay of the gold match:
Canada will host the Paralympic Cup in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, from November 30 to December 6 as Canada's final international competition before the Milan-Cortina Paralympics in March.
Canada lost 5-0 to the United States in the gold medal match at the 2022 Paralympics in Beijing.
“This offseason has brought a lot of changes, including new coaches and new players, and it's been fun to start a new season and see what areas we need to work on,” veteran Canadian forward Greg Westlake said.
“We're excited to continue to build and we know we'll remain a united team and get better as the season goes on.
“We are looking forward to playing at home in our next tournament and showcasing our great sport because we love playing in Canada. “We’re really excited to come to Dawson Creek in November and play in a part of the country we haven’t been to in a long time.”
