TOP LINE LEADS CANADA TO GOLD IN NAGANO

NAGANO, Japan – For the second time in as many years, Canada’s National Sledge Team has won gold in Japan.

Just three days after suffering its first loss of the 2008-09 season to the United States, Canada got its revenge in the tournament’s biggest game, topping the Americans 5-0 in Friday’s gold medal game at Big Hat Arena.

It was Canada’s big line that led the way, as Bradley Bowden, Greg Westlake and Billy Bridges combined for seven points in the win. Bowden scored twice, Westlake had a goal and two assists and Bridges chipped in with two helpers.

After being shutout for the first time in more than five years on Tuesday, the Canadians struck quickly against the U.S. on Friday, as Bowden converted on the power play just 3:18 after the opening face-off – the first man advantage goal scored by Canada in the tournament.

Westlake and Bridges set up Bowden for his second of the game early in the second period, and goals from Adam Dixon and Westlake late in the middle frame put the game out of reach through two periods.

Marc Dorion put the cap on the gold-medal performance with a third period goal as Canada improved to 7-1 in 2008-09 and defended the gold it won last year in Asahikawa.

Paul Rosen made 10 saves in the Canadian goal for the shutout. Canada allowed only three goals in four games in the tournament.

Canada will look for its third gold medal of 2008-09 when it returns to home soil and takes part in the 2009 Hockey Canada Cup, February 24 to March 1 at UBC Thunderbird Arena in Vancouver, BC.