The U.S. National Sled Hockey Team faced Canada this past weekend in an exhibition series in Rochester, N.Y. The teams split the series with Team USA winning the second game by a shutout.
Friday's match saw Canada take a 1-0 lead in the first period witha goal by Billy Bridges. The teams remained scoreless through the rest of the game until Taylor Chance (Hampton Falls, N.Y.) knocked one between the pipes with eight seconds remaining in the third. The teams went to a shoot out where Canada earned the win with goals by Brad Bowden and Bridges. Taylor Lipsett (Mesquite, Texas) scored for the United States.
"We came out slow but showed a lot of heart toward the end of the game," said Ray Maluta, head coach of the 2009-10 U.S. National Sled Hockey Team. "We had great chances and I was pleased with the team's effort in the second half of the game."
The following evening goaltender Steve Cash (Overland, Mo.) stopped all 10 shots from the Canadian opposition for a 3-0 shutout.
Brad Emmerson (Amherst, N.Y.) slipped one past Canadian goaltender Paul Rosen early in the first period. Bubba Torres (Riverside, N.J.) put the U.S. up to a 2-0 lead with a goal at 11:35.
Just past the five minute mark in the second period, Taylor Lipsett (Mesquite, Texas) scored off a pass from Andy Yohe (Bettendorf, Iowa) to seal the game.
For more information on the U.S. National Sled Team, visit www.usahockey.com