The United States scored a short-handed goal and another on the power play in a 3-0 victory over Canada for its fourth title at the International Para Hockey Cup on Sunday in Ostrava, Czech Republic.
Declan Farmer led the U.S. men offensively, scoring a power-play goal in the second period and another into an empty net with 52 seconds left in regulation.
"I thought this was a great way to finish this tournament, a really solid effort from beginning to end tonight," American head coach David Hoff said in a statement released by USA Hockey. “From the goaltending, to all the way up front, we played a really solid game and hopefully that’s a start to a really strong season.”
Malik Jones opened the scoring near the midway point of the first period, intercepting an attempted breakout pass in the slot and firing the puck past Canadian goalie Corbin Watson for a short-handed goal.
In the second, Farmer beat Watson with a deke and tucked the puck in the net from just outside the crease.
Griffin LaMarre turned aside 11 shots for the shutout at Ostravar Arena.
The U.S. has won all four IPH Cup championships since the inaugural tournament in 2022. Last year, the Americans prevailed 5-3 over Canada 5-3 in Ostrava.
On Sunday, the U.S. outshot Canada 9-0 in the second period and 23-11 overall.
The Americans converted one of four power plays while the Canadians were 0-for-5.
Canada advanced to the gold-medal game at the Para Hockey Cup with a 9-1 rout of Italy on Friday.
WATCH | Full replay of gold-medal game:
Canada hosts the Para Cup in Dawson Creek, B.C., from Nov. 30 to Dec. 6 in Canada's final international competition before the Milan-Cortina Paralympics in March.
Canada fell 5-0 to the U.S. in the 2022 Paralympic gold-medal game in Beijing.
"This off-season came with a lot of change, including new coaches and new players, and it was fun to get the new season started and find out which areas we need to work on," said Canadian veteran forward Greg Westlake.
"We are excited to keep building, and we know we are going to stay united as a team and get better as the season goes on.
"We are looking forward to playing at home in our next tournament and showcasing our great sport, because we love playing in Canada. We are excited to get to Dawson Creek in November and play in a part of the country that we have not been to for a long time."