In Sochi the American team had shut out the Russian team for a 1-0 win, but their encounter in Leduc was far more open as they raced into a 2-0 advantage with Brody Roybal and Kevin McKee scoring the goals.

Russia were able to hit back through Evgeny Petrov and Vasily Varlakov, who scored a goal apiece and, despite facing an onslaught on their goal, were able to rely on their goalkeeper Vladimir Kamentsev to keep the scores level, as he made 17 saves during the contest.

But, despite Kamentsev's heroics, he was unable to prevent the US from regaining the lead in the dying embers of the clash, with Declan Farmer proving to be the match winner for the US team, scoring with just two minutes remaining on the clock.

Canada won bronze at the Paralympics but will hope for more precious metal at next month's World Championships ©Getty Images



While the Russia and US clash proved to be a tightly fought encounter the hosts Canada cruised through their first group match as the Sochi 2014 silver medalllists crushed South Korea.

The performance will delight Canada's new coach Ken Babey, who took charge of the team last month, as they dominated their group opener with Brad Bowden proving to be the star turn.

Bowden had a hand in half of the goals claiming the opening and closing strikes of the contest, laying on a further two for teammates.

The first period saw Canada race into a three goal advantage, a brace coming from Marc Dorion snap shots adding to Bowden's opener.

Canada then ensured that they would gain maximum points from the match against the Asian nation with quick-fire goals from Ben Delaney, Kevin Rempel and Tyler McGregor, who scored twice in the second period to make the score 7-0.

The match tapered off towards the end as Canada attempted to preserve the clean sheet, with Bowden scoring the only goal of the final third of the match.

Canada will face Russia tomorrow as they attempt to maintain their unbeaten start, while the US will begin as favourites when they face South Korea later in the day.

Canada, Russia and the US are competing in the four team tournament prior ahead of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Ice Sledge Hockey World Championships A-Pool, which are due to begin in Buffalo, US, on April 24.

South Korea will head to Sweden to compete in World Championship B-Pool in March
©Getty Images



South Korea will head to Ostersund, Sweden, for the B-Pool, scheduled to take place from March 15 to 21.

They will be joined in Sweden by Austria as they claimed victory in the best of three playoff against Finland, winning the decider 2-1.

Tensions between the two sides were evident as the first two periods went goalless, but the final period was a chaotic affair, with Finland seemingly on their way to the final after claiming the opener, but two quick fire strikes saw Austria turn the tables on their opponents.

The action did not end there as Austria's goalkeeper was sent to the sin bin, but despite winning the resulting face-off Finland couldn't find a crucial goal and Austria progressed.

Great Britain, Poland, Slovakia and hosts Sweden will join South Korea and Austria at the tournament.  

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