OSTRAVA — Rob Armstrong scored the game-winning goal 1:14 into overtime to lift Canada to a 1-0 victory over Czechia and into the gold-medal game of the International Para Hockey Cup on Saturday.
Corbin Watson earned a 16-save shutout for Canada.
“I think I blacked out during the goal," Armstrong said. "It was a hard-fought game. We were just trying to get something going towards the net. I was able to break off on a bit of a rush and as soon as I shot the puck and I saw it go in the back of the net, it was a huge feeling of relief.”
Michal Vapenka turned away 13 shots for the hosts.
The Canadians also defeated Czechia 3-2 in the final preliminary game of the four-team tournament on Thursday.
Canada will next face the United States on Sunday. The Americans handed Italy a 6-0 loss in the other semifinal earlier Saturday to advance.
The U.S. defeated Canada 2-1 in overtime in preliminary action on Tuesday, Canada's lone loss of the tournament.
“It’s simple, we just need to keep doing all the little things we’ve been doing along the way," Watson said. "We’re doing all the small things right; everybody is gelling right now and everybody is feeling the games.
"Today was a tough battle and we want to bring what we had today into tomorrow against the United States. We’re going to push and be ready to play our game.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 12, 2024.
The Canadian Press
