BAKKE SCORES TWICE IN THIRD AS NORWEGIANS WIN BRONZE

CALGARY, Alta. – Audun Bakke scored twice in the third period, including the game-winning goal, as Norway claimed the bronze medal at the 2011 World Sledge Hockey Challenge with a 5-3 win over Japan on Saturday afternoon.

Bakke split the Japanese defence and snapped a shot past Shinobu Fukushima to put the Norwegians up 4-2 seven minutes into the final frame, and added an empty net, shorthanded goal in the dying seconds to clinch the win.

Rolf Pedersen, Eskil Hagen and Stig Tore Svee also scored for Norway, which trailed 2-0 after 20 minutes before coming back with three goals in the second period.

Morton Vaernes added three assists in the win, while Roger Johansen made 11 saves in goal for Norway, which won its fifth medal in as many WSHC appearances; it also won bronze in 2009, and took silver in 2007, 2008 and last April.

Daisuke Uehaera, Takayuki Endo and Kazuhiro Takahashi scored the goals for Japan, which is still in search of its first medal at the tournament; it also lost to Norway in the bronze medal game in 2008, and fell to the United States in 2009 and last April.

Penalties:
   18:59 NOR 3 Rolf Einar Pedersen (Interference)

Penalties:
   15:34 NOR 16 Knut Andre Nordstoga (10-Minute Misconduct)
   15:34 NOR 16 Knut Andre Nordstoga (Checking from Behind)

Penalties:
   11:46 NOR   (Too Many Men)
   19:18 NOR 9 Morten Vaernes (Holding)