In the opening game of the world para ice hockey championship at WinSport Arena, Japan was dominated by Canada with a resounding 19-0 victory. The Canadian team had an impressive performance, with Dominic Cozzolino leading the charge and scoring four goals while adding four assists. Tyler McGregor and Liam Hickey also had strong showings, each contributing three goals and four assists to the team’s victory.
Adam Kingsmill, Canada’s goalkeeper, only had to make one save throughout the game as he kept his team’s shutout intact. Adam Dixon secured a hat trick for Canada, while Anton Jacobs-Webb, Corbyn Smith, Micah Kovacevich, Vincent Boily, and Auren Halbert also found the back of the net. The Canadian team successfully converted one of their two power play opportunities during the game.
On the Japanese side, Wataru Horie struggled in net as he allowed 18 goals on 40 shots through the first two periods of play. Manabu Okabe took over in the third period and managed to stop eight of the nine shots he faced.
Canada will now prepare to face Italy in their next game on Sunday as they continue in the preliminary round of the championship. This impressive victory sets a strong foundation for Canada as they push forward in the tournament.
