Canada to face U.S. for gold at Para hockey worlds after shutout win over Czechs

Dominic Cozzolino and James Dunn each scored twice as Canada defeated the Czech Republic 5-0 on Saturday in the semifinals at the world Para hockey championship in Moose Jaw, Sask.

Canada will face a familiar foe in the United States for gold, with Sunday's matchup marking the sixth straight final between the rivals at the world championship.

The Americans are searching for their third straight world title, while Canada hasn't won gold since 2017. The Canadians have not beaten the reigning Paralympic champions in any competition since 2021, with a 4-2 win during a two-game series in St. Louis.

"[The U.S.] are the best team in the world and if you want to become the best you have to beat the best, so we're looking forward to the opportunity," Canadian head coach Russ Herrington said in a release. "They are a great team and we appreciate how good that forces us to be.

"I think that we have the belief that we can hang in long enough and take advantage of a raucous crowd to push us over the hump we haven't gotten over in quite awhile."

Three-time Paralympic medallist Dominic Larocque made 11 saves for the shutout in Saturday's semifinal, while defenceman Zach Lavin scored Canada's other marker, giving him two goals and three assists in the tournament.

Adam Dixon collected three assists against the Czechs, while captain Tyler McGregor picked up a pair.

Cozzolino opened the scoring 25 seconds into the game, setting the tone for a dominant first period. Dunn gave Canada a 2-0 lead with a power-play goal before striking again just 18 seconds later.

WATCH | Canada advances to gold-medal final:

Lavin scored Canada's third goal of the opening frame, and Cozzolino capped the scoring early in the third.

"The start by our first line was big and it started the game well for us," Lavin said. "We had the momentum early, but we also had to battle through and get back to our defensive structure for the win. Even with a few moments where we lost our touch, we're a young group and I like the path that we're on."

Canada finished the preliminary round with a 2-1 record, defeating Korea 15-1 and the Czech Republic 2-1 before falling 3-0 to the Americans. Twenty-year-old Raphaëlle Tousignant made history for Canada in the opening win, becoming the first woman to play for the national Para hockey team at an international event.

The U.S. advanced to the final earlier on Saturday with a 10-2 win over China that saw stars Declan Farmer and Brody Roybal each score a hat trick.

China will face the Czechs for bronze on Sunday at 5 p.m. ET, with the gold-medal game following at 9 p.m. ET.

WATCH | Raphaëlle Tousignant makes history by breaking gender barrier: