CANADA TAKES TOUGH-LUCK LOSS AGAINST AMERICANS

NAGANO, Japan – Canada’s National Sledge Team has dropped its first game of the 2008-09 season, falling 1-0 to the United States in the opening game of the 4 Nations tournament at Big Hat Arena on Tuesday.

The Canadians outshot the Americans 16-4 and held their North American rivals to just one shot over the final two periods, but could not beat U.S. goaltender Steve Cash. Canada lost to the Americans for the first time since February 2007.

Canada had the early opportunities, getting three power plays in the game’s opening nine-and-a-half minutes, but could not beat Cash to open the scoring, and the power play’s lack of execution would come back to haunt the Canadians.

Just minutes after the third of Canada’s man advantages had expired Andy Yohe beat Canadian netminder Paul Rosen with the Americans enjoying a power play, putting the U.S. on top by a goal late in the opening frame.

After a scoreless second period the Canadians came out firing in the final 15 minutes, getting seven of their 16 shots in the third period, but could not beat Cash as Canada was shut out for the first time in more than five years.

Canada gets back on the ice Wednesday when it faces Norway in the renewal of sledge hockey’s greatest rivalry. The puck drops at Big Hat Arena at midnight EST.

Goals/Buts :
11:19 USA Andy Yohe (Lonnie Hannah, Taylor Chace) PP/AN

Penalties/Pénalités :
02:17 USA Lonnie Hannah (Interference/Obstruction)
05:51 USA Kip St. Germaine (T-boning)
07:33 USA Jimmy Connelly (Elbowing/Donner du coude)
09:59 CAN Greg Westlake (Delay of Game)
12:29 CAN Matthew Cook (T-boning)

Goals/Buts :
NO SCORING

Penalties/Pénalités :
01:52 CAN Graeme Murray (Interference/Obstruction)
08:33 USA Alexi Salamone (Hooking/Accrocher)

Goals/Buts :
NO SCORING

Penalties/Pénalités :
04:45 USA Bubba Torres (T-boning)
06:43 USA Kip St. Germaine (Holding/Retenir)