Team Canada is in the gold medal game of the 2024 World Para Ice Hockey Championships in Calgary, Alberta. On Friday, Canada defeated China 2-1 in the semifinals. In the other semifinal, the United States defeated Czech Republic 3-1.
After China took a 1-0 first period lead on a power-play goal by Jin Tao Tian, Canada bounced back with a pair of goals. The goals came early in the third period 24 seconds apart. Micah Kovacevich of Edmonton, Alberta scored from Tyler McGregor of Forest, Ontario and Anton Jacobs-Webb of Gatineau, Quebec to tie the game at one at 1:19 of the final frame. Then at 1:43 of the third period, Dominic Cozzolino of Kitchener, Ontario scored from Liam Hickey of St. John’s, Newfoundland and McGregor.
Canadian goaltender Adam Kingsmill of Smithers, British Columbia made 14 saves on 15 shots. Canada’s two goals came on 17 shots.
Team Canada has won all four of their games in the tournament to date. In the process, they have outscored their opponents 36-2. After clobbering Japan 19-0 and Italy 10-0 in their opening two games, the last two games have been significantly more competitive. They defeated the Czech Republic 5-1 to close out pool play before their semifinal win. The gold medal game between Canada and the USA will be at 5:30 PM MT on Sunday.
