Canada edge Paralympic silver medallists Russia at World Sledge Hockey Challenge

By Nick Butler

Hosts Canada moved one step closer to a final clash with arch rivals United States at the World Sledge Hockey Challenge in Leduc after a comfortable victory over Sochi 2014 silver medallists Russia.

Russia, whose podium finish on home ice last year marked a breakthrough performance, did not face eventual bronze medallists Canada in Sochi, so would have been keen to continue their progression in the sport with another milestone victory over top opponents.

But the Canadians, led by a brilliant performance by goaltender Corbin Watson, who stopped all 17 shots he faced, proved too much as the home side edged ahead after a scoreless first period.

First Greg Westlake snapped a shot into after being set up by some strong carrying by Brad Bowden, before Marc Dorion pounced on a loose puck late on to drive home for a second with barely three minutes left on the clock.

It was a deserved reward for a performance which combined defensive efficiency with clinical finishing.

Russia were unable to emulate their Sochi 2014 silver medal winning form when slipping to defeat against Canada ©AFP/Getty Images

But the Canadians will have to raise their level further if they are to get the better of the US, as the Sochi 2014 champions powered past hapless South Korean opponents 8-1.

The rout began with just 22 seconds on the clock as Kevin McKee opened the scoring before Brody Roybal and Josh Pauls each scored twice.

Further strikes came from Adam Page, Declan Farmer and Daniel McCoy.

Ju-Seung Lee scored the first South Koreans goal of the tournament on a third-period power play, but it was nothing more than a consolation for a team that were second best throughout, and could only manage seven shots on goal throughout the entire game.

The Canadian and US stars will now face off in a final preliminary round tester on Wednesday (February 4), while South Korea will hope for better fortunes against Russia in the other match, before the knock-out matches begin culminating in a final on Saturday (February 7).

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.