By Paul Osborne

The United States have beaten Canada in their three-game ice sledge hockey series ©Getty ImagesJanuary 12 - The United States triumphed over rivals Canada in their three-game ice sledge hockey series at the Extreme Ice Centre in North Carolina, the team's last international competition before they head to Sochi 2014.


After falling to the Canadians 4-1 in the opening game, the reigning Paralympic champions got back on track with 2-1 and 3-1 victories in the final two games of the series.

The wins put an end to the Canadian's 16-game winning streak and will fill the US team with a renewed sense of confidence following two major defeats by their North American rivals in both the World Championships final and World Sledge Hockey Challenge final.

A goal apiece for Greg Westlake and Brad Bowden and a power-play brace from Kevin Rempel was enough for the hosts to take an early one game lead in the series with Nikko Landeros' second period goal a mere consolation for the visiting team.

A brace from Canada's Kevin Rempel helped secure his team the win in the opening game of the series ©Getty ImagesA brace from Canada's Kevin Rempel helped secure his team the win in the opening game of the series ©Getty Images



The second game saw US goaltender Steve Cash, goaltender of the tournament at Vancouver 2010, turn away 10 Canadian attempts to help secure his teams precious 2-1 lead following goals from Declan Farmer and Josh Sweeney.

Bowden's last minute goal proved too little too late for the Canadians who suffered their first defeat since February 16, 2013.

The third and final game was another nail-biter for the two teams with both teams pushing for the series win.

Canada's Bowden scored his 100th goal for his country to give the home side the lead, becoming just the third player to complete the feat behind Westlake and Billy Bridges, before Paul Schaus pulled the visitors level just before the break.

Steve Cash's 10 saves in the second game and 12 in the third was key to America's win in this three-day series ©Getty ImagesSteve Cash's 10 saves in the second game and 12 in the third was key to America's win in this three-day series ©Getty Images



The US took the lead early in the second period when Rico Roman scored from the right circle with Kevin McKee securing the American victory when he scored into an empty net with just 15 seconds remaining in the game.

The series concludes the American's pre-Sochi play with two training camps in North Carolina and Colorado in February the team's final preparations before the Paralympics begin in March.

Canada will play one more exhibition series against Russia next month before heading off to Sochi.

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