The U.S. National Sled Hockey Team closes preliminary round play at the 2018 Para Hockey Cup here today against South Korea. Puck drop is slated for 12 p.m. ET and will be streamed live on HockeyTV.com. Additionally, period updates will be available at @usahockey on Twitter.
     Team USA, with a perfect 3-0 record, is guaranteed a place in tomorrow's (Dec. 8) championship game against Canada regardless of today's outcome. 

THE SERIES VS. SOUTH KOREA
Today's game is the second meeting between the U.S. and South Korea here at the 2018 Para Hockey Cup and the 15th meeting between the two teams in tournament history. The two teams have competed in eight consecutive Para Hockey Cups. A win tonight would maintain Team USA's pristine record (14-0-0-0/W-OTW-OTL-L) against South Korea.

LAST GAME: USA 4, CANADA 1
Declan Farmer (Tampa, Fla.) scored twice and Josh Pauls (Green Brook, N.J.) added a goal and an assist as the 2018-19 U.S. National Sled Hockey Team edged Canada, 4-1, to maintain its perfect start here at the 2018 Para Hockey Cup. Kevin McKee (Chicago, Ill.) also scored as Steve Cash(Overland, Mo.) earned his second win of the tournament.

DEFENSIVE PRESENCE
Through three games, a strong emphasis for Team USA has been on its defensive effort. Through three games, the U.S. has allowed just 19 shots on goal, 18 of which have been turned aside. 
     "We're real happy with our defensive play as a whole, having allowed just 18 shots through three games," said head coach David Hoff. "We said at the beginning of the year that our team success isn't dictated by who gets their name in the paper and for as much success as some of our players have had, we're most happy and proud of our defensive corps as a whole."

POST-GAME FESTIVITIES
Following today's game, the U.S. will reconvene at the hotel for lunch. Following lunch, the team will take part in a video session before the players will conduct their Secret Santa gift-giving exchange.