Canada’s sledge team tops Norway

Jeff Vinnick/Others

Canada’s sledge hockey team improved to 2-0 at the World Sledge Hockey Challenge in Charlottetown, PEI on Wednesday, with a 1-0 win over Norway.

Canada held off a furious attack by Norway throughout the third period to move to 2-0 at the event, locking up a berth in Saturday’s gold medal game. Canada outshot Norway 17-4 in the battle of arch-rivals. With the loss, Norway drops to 0-2.

Following a scoreless first period, Canada’s captain, Jean Labonté of Hull, Que., opened the scoring at 5:14 of the second period. The goal came after a goal-mouth scramble in front of Norwegian goaltender Roger Johansen. Billy Bridges (Summerside, P.E.I) and Brad Bowden (Orton, Ont.) earned assists on Labonté’s goal, which was Canada’s third power-play goal of the tournament.

Canadian goaltender Paul Rosen (Thornhill, Ont.) made four saves for the shutout. He has yet to allow a goal in the tournament.

In other tournament play on Wednesday, the U.S. shut out Japan 2-0. Team USA and Norway will play Thursday in the final game of Round Robin play.

Canada is atop the standings at 2-0, with Japan and the United States at 1-1, followed by Norway in last place at 0-2. Canada concludes its round robin on Thursday night against Japan (7 p.m. AT).

Source: CTV Vancouver 2010