Italy, Canada to face-off in ice sledge hockey final
12.12.2015The last games of the international tournament in Torino, Italy, will see the hosts try to upset Canada’s unbeaten run.
Italian players thank the hundreds of fans who turned out to see them win over South Korea at the Palatazzoli arena in Torino.
© • Torino 2015
The last of Canada’s 10 goals came just at the buzzer, setting the World Championships silver medallists up for a finals clash against the hosts.
Hosts Italy will try to upset the unbeaten run of Canada in the final of the ice sledge hockey international tournament on Saturday (12 December) at the Palatazzoli arena in Torino.
Italy beat PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games hosts South Korea on Friday (11 December), whilst Canada triumphed over Norway, to confirm the face-off for first and second places.
Italy- South Korea 3-2 (1-0 2-1 0-1)
Unlike their previous 4-0 win over the South Koreans on Wednesday (9 December), the Azzuri had to fight until the final siren to take the victory over a more determined team.
An equally balanced first period was highlighted by a lone goal from Italy’s Gianluigi Rosa, assisted by captain Andrea Chiarotti in the eighth minute.
The second period saw the highest number of pucks hit the back of the net. The Italians started well thanks to Nils Larch, once again helped by Chiarotti, and delighting the hundreds of school children who came to watch.
South Korea replied with a goal from Dong Shin Jang, but Italy had an immediate response themselves. Rosa tripled the home team’s score assisted by Roberto Radice, before going off injured after being hit by a South Korean stick.
The last period was equally as fraught. Italy looked dangerous but could not convert their chances as South Korea ramped up the pressure.
The visitors attempts were rewarded with just minutes to go, with Min Su Han executing some excellent moves to bring the score to 3-2. South Korea took another chance, missing a ricochet off the Italian goalkeeper, but Gabriel Araudo held firm to hand his team the win.
South Korea will now face Norway for third place.
Canada - Norway 10-0 (2-0 5-0 3-0)
Despite taking eight minutes to open the scoring, Canada had managed to double their score before the end of the first period.
In the second, the Canadians extended their lead with three goals in just over a minute, denying Norway the chance to reply.
The last of Canada’s 10 goals came just at the buzzer, setting the World Championships silver medallists up for a finals clash against the hosts.
All matches are being streamed live at IPC Ice Sledge Hockey’s website courtesy of Italian broadcaster Rai.
Entrance to all games is free to spectators, and a full schedule can be viewed at Sportdipiu’s website.
