SWEENEY SCORES GAME-WINNING GOAL AS AMERICANS OPEN WITH WIN

CALGARY, Alta. – Three different goal scorers paced the United States to a 3-1 win over Norway in the opening game of the 2012 World Sledge Hockey Challenge on Sunday afternoon.

The U.S. outshot the Norwegians 24-6 in what was a dominant effort by the defending world and Paralympic champions, their third straight victory over Norway at the World Sledge Hockey Challenge.

With U.S. defenseman Craig Brady in the penalty box late in the first period, Loyd Remi Pallander was able to get behind the U.S. defenders to open the scoring with just over a minute to go in the opening frame, giving Norway a 1-0 lead after 15 minutes.

The U.S. would pour it on in the second period, outshooting the Norwegians by a count of 11-0; however it could only beat Norway goaltender Kristian Buen once, as Kevin McKee banged home a loose puck with 5:14 remaining in the period, sending the two teams to the dressing room tied 1-1 after two periods.

Josh Sweeney scored the game-winner shorthanded just 2:28 into the third period and Declan Farmer added some insurance for the U.S. with just two seconds remaining in the game.

Norway will look to get in the win column on Monday against Canada (noon MT), while the U.S. tries to improve to 2-0 as it takes on Japan in the late game (7 p.m. MT).

Penalties:
   07:19 NOR 23 Jan Roger Klakegg (Holding)
   11:55 USA 2 Craig Brady (Teeing)

Penalties:
   12:34 NOR 8 Stig Tore Svee (Holding)

Penalties:
   01:40 USA 21 Alexi Salamone (Teeing)
   11:50 NOR 17 Loyd Remi Pallander (Teeing)
   14:03 NOR 17 Loyd Remi Pallander (Elbowing)