After going undefeated 3-0-0-0 (W-OTW-OTL-L) in the preliminary round of the 2019 Canadian Tire Para Hockey Cup, the U.S. National Sled Team takes on the Czech Republic in the semifinals today. Puck drop is slated for 10:30 a.m. ET at the Paradise Double Ice Complex and the semifinals will be streamed live here.
Team USA is coming off a 4-1 victory against Canada yesterday in its final preliminary round matchup. The U.S. has only allowed one goal in 135 minutes of play after shutting out Russia, 3-0, on Monday and the Czech Republic, 8-0, on Tuesday.
THE LAST TIME OUT...
The U.S. and the Czech Republic last met on Dec. 2, 2019 in the preliminary round of the 2019 Para Hockey Cup. A hat trick from Jack Wallace (Franklin Lakes, N.J.) and four points from Josh Pauls (Green Brook, N.J.) led Team USA to defeat the Czech Republic, 8-0, in Game 2 of the preliminary round. Five different members of Team USA recorded goals against the Czech Republic and 11 players tallied at least one point in the 8-0 victory.
CHAMPIONSHIP STRETCH
The U.S. has advanced to the Para Hockey Cup championship game the last eight-consecutive tournaments. In the events 12-year history, Team USA has appeared in the championship game nine times with an overall record of 4-3-0-2 (W-OTW-OTL-L) in championship game appearances.
FIVE-TIME DEFENDING CHAMPS
The U.S. National Sled Hockey Team has a chance to claim its sixth-straight tournament title having won the 2015, 2016 (Jan.), 2016 (Dec.) 2017 and 2018 events. A win would also extend Team USA's tournament-record titles to eight after also claiming titles in 2009 and 2012. The U.S. skated to perfect 5-0-0-0 (W-OTW-OTL-L) records the last two-consecutive (2018, 2017) Para Hockey Cup tournaments and an undefeated 4-1-0-0 record the season prior (2016, Dec.).
With a win against the Czech Republic, the U.S. would advance to its ninth-straight championship game at the Para Hockey Cup. The championship game will take place Saturday (Dec. 7) at 4:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live on TSN.
Team USA Schedule
| Date | Opponent | TIME (LOCAL/ET)/Result | LOCATION | Broadcast/Stream | U.S. Player of the Game |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun., Dec. 1 | Russia Preliminary |
W, 3-0 | Paradise Double Ice Complex Paradise, Newfoundland | Livestream | Brody Roybal |
| Mon., Dec. 2 | Czech Republic Preliminary |
W, 8-0 | Paradise Double Ice Complex Paradise, Newfoundland | Livestream | Josh Pauls |
| Wed., Dec. 4 | Canada Preliminary |
W, 4-1 | Paradise Double Ice Complex Paradise, Newfoundland | Livestream | Rico Roman |
| Thurs., Dec. 5 | Czech Republic Semifinals |
W, 8-0 | Paradise Double Ice Complex Paradise, Newfoundland | Livestream | Kevin McKee |
| Sat., Dec. 7 | Canada Championship |
W, 2-1 | Paradise Double Ice Complex Paradise, Newfoundland | TSN | Declan Farmer |
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