Although the Canadians finished one place lower than Russia at Sochi 2014, in third, they did not actually face the Paralympic hosts on that occasion and had never previously lost to the Russians in six previous attempts.

And, after a comfortable 2-0 preliminary stage win over Russia in Leduc, Canada were heavy favourites this time around once again.

But, with the Russians producing a vastly improved performance, Sergey Panfilov scored both goals, with the first coming 72 into the match and the second with 52.9 seconds left in the third period.

Kevin Rempel scored the only goal for the hosts, as they missed out on the final for the first time in World Sledge Hockey Challenge history.

It will be scant consolation for Canada that they will be heavy favourites in the bronze medal match against South Korea, after the Asian minnows were dispatched 8-0 by Sochi 2014 champions United States in the other semi-final. 

The US will be favourites to win the final, as they did over Russia at Sochi 2014
©Hockey Canada



Dan McCoy set a tournament record with five points - courtesy of one goal and four assists, although seven US goals in the final 15 minutes added gloss to what at one stage had been a tightly fought game.

Josh Misiewicz and Adam Page each found the net twice, while Kevin McKee, Nikko Landeros and Declan Farmer managed one goal apiece.

The final is due to take place on Saturday (February 7) evening at the Leduc Recreation Centre, with action broadcast on TSN, the official broadcaster of Hockey Canada.

Tickets for both the gold medal game and bronze medal game are sold out.

The four-team event comes in the latter stages of preparations for the World Championships A-Pool, which are due to begin in Buffalo, US, on April 24.

Canada, the hosts US and Russia, will be joined by Italy, Germany, the Czech Republic, Norway and Japan.

South Korea, meanwhile,  are scheduled to participate tin the B-Pool World Championships in Ostersund, Sweden, from March 15 to 21, with opposition to be provided by Austria, Great Britain, Poland, Slovakia and hosts Sweden.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
February 2015: United States revive Sochi 2014 form with clinical World Sledge Hockey Challenge win over Canada
February 2015: Canada edge Paralympic silver medallists Russia at World Sledge Hockey Challenge
February 2015: Canada and US take maximum points in World Sledge Hockey Challenge openers
January 2015: Babey appointed Canada's ice sledge hockey head coach
January 2015: Leduc Recreation Centre to host 2015 World Sledge Hockey Challenge