CANADA BEATS NORWAY 4-1 AT SLEDGE HOCKEY WORLDS, WILL FACE U.S. IN SEMIFINAL

HAMAR, Norway – Canada picked up its third straight win at the sledge hockey world championship on Wednesday, setting up a semifinal clash with a familiar opponent.

Dominic Larocque, Adam Dixon, Kieran Block and Greg Westlake scored as Canada defeated Norway 4-1 to advance to Thursday's semifinal against the rival Americans.

“Both teams bring the best out of each other and it's going to be a real competitive game,” Team Canada coach Mike Mondin said. “It's going to be highly emotional and we know that we have to be well prepared physically and mentally.

“Our guys are up for that task.”

Westlake said his team has improved with each game at the tournament. The winner Thursday will take on the Czech Republic or South Korea in Sunday's final.

“We're expecting a tough game,” he said. “It's a little different in the sense that now that there's something on the line I think it's going to be a little bit less chippy than usual,” the Canadian captain said. “When we get (the U.S.) in an exhibition game there's lots of stuff after the whistle, a lot of big hits.

“Tomorrow it's about hockey. It's about winning the game.”

Norway came out strong against Canada on Wednesday, with Magnus Bogle opening the scoring just 1:59 into the first period.

But Larocque tied it just 51 seconds later and Dixon scored to give Canada the lead at 8:04.

Block made it 3-1 at 8:17 of the second before Westlake added his second goal in as many games at 8:58 of the third period to seal the win for the Canadians.

“(Westlake) is so consistent every shift,” Mondin said. “He's a competitor and that clearly shows in his work ethic, his skill level and his determination to lead this team.”

Corbin Watson made his second straight start in goal for Canada, stopping nine shots for the win. Canada finished with 20 shots on Norway's Roger Johansen.

The Canadians ran into some penalty trouble in their second group game against South Korea, but still came away with a 2-0 win.

Westlake said the focus was on discipline against the Norwegians and will be the same against the Americans.

“No knock on international reffing, but flip a coin,” he said. “You never know what you're going to get. I think you have to play safe, worry about body position and where the puck is going to be.

“It took a little while to adjust but I think we made a big stride in that department.”

Penalties:
   12:42 NOR 7 Eskil Hagen (Interference)

Penalties:
   None

Penalties:
   09:44 CAN 7 Marc Dorion (Teeing)