USA Hockey wins Bronz at IPC Sledge Hockey World Championships

Alexi Salamone (Grand Island, N.Y.) scored two goals, Jim Connelly (Galloway, N.J.) scored another and Steve Cash (Overland, Mo.) stopped 16 shots as the U.S. Paralympics Sled Hockey National Team beat Japan, 3-1, winning the bronze medal of the A-Pool at the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Ice Sledge Hockey World Championships in Marlborough, Mass.

"This is a great way to finish the season," said Ray Maluta, head coach of the U.S. Team. It is sometimes difficult for a team to prepare for a bronze-medal game, knowing that they were so close to a gold, but I'm proud of the way our team performed. They showed a lot of character."

One of the most dramatic games of the championships also provided the gold medal winner for the A-Pool. Canada defeated defending champion Norway 3-2 after Greg Westlake scored with nine seconds remaining in the third period. After trailing for the first time all week, Canada scored twice in the third period to seize the game from Norway. With the loss, Norway claims the silver medal.

Germany claimed their first victory of the championships, and fifth place in the A-Pool standings, as they defeated Italy 6-1. Germany was led by Udo Segreff, who scored two goals in the victory.