The United States clinched their fourth International Para Hockey Cup title with a 3-0 win over Canada in Ostrava, Czech Republic. The U.S. team showcased a strong performance, with goals coming from a short-handed play and a power-play goal. Declan Farmer was instrumental, scoring twice, including an empty-net goal in the final minute.
American head coach David Hoff commended his team’s solid effort throughout the tournament, highlighting the strong defensive play and goaltending. Malik Jones opened the scoring with a short-handed goal in the first period, while Farmer added a second goal in the second period with a skilled move near the crease.
Goalie Griffin LaMarre made 11 saves to secure the shutout victory. The U.S. team dominated play, outshooting Canada 23-11 overall and converting on one of their power-play opportunities.
The U.S. has now won all four IPH Cup championships since the tournament’s inception in 2022. In last year’s final, they also defeated Canada in Ostrava. Canada, on the other hand, will host the next Para Cup in Dawson Creek, B.C., as their final international competition before the upcoming Milan-Cortina Paralympics.
Canadian forward Greg Westlake acknowledged the team’s offseason changes and expressed excitement for the upcoming season, emphasizing the team’s unity and determination to improve. Canada aims to showcase their sport at home and build on their performance moving forward.