Milano Cortina 2026 Group B Review: Canada down Czechia, Slovakia claim maiden win

Team Canada was pushed hard by Czechia in a physical, high‑intensity matchup but closed the preliminary round with a 4–1 victory at the Milano SantaGiulia Ice Hockey Arena on Tuesday (10 March).

The Beijing 2022 silver medallists will now face China in Friday’s second semifinal, while Czechia will open the day against reigning Paralympic champions United States.

Canada failed to score in a period for the first time at Milano Cortina 2026 and conceded their first goal of the tournament, but they remained the stronger side and showcased their power‑play efficiency with three goals on the man advantage.

“More speed, more pace, more physicality — that’s the test we’re looking for,” said Canadian captain Tyler McGregor, who led the scoring with one goal and two assists. “Especially after the first two games and heading into the semifinals, you want to be challenged in all those aspects.

“They play a well‑structured game, they play fast and physical, and that’s the energy and emotion we all want to play with. We’re happy with our performance tonight.”

Finishing first in Group B was an early birthday gift for McGregor, who turns 33 on Wednesday.

“We’re going to get away from the rink. I’m going to see some family, I believe we’re going to Lake Como. Hopefully we get some nice weather. I’m excited to turn my brain off and celebrate my birthday with them.”

Canadian head coach Boris Rybalka said he and his team embraced the challenge.

“We knew it was going to be a more intense game. They tried to play physical against us, which we enjoy,” Rybalka said. “We knew that was going to be our biggest challenge, and we overcame it. We found a way to win, which is key.”

Renaissance painting🎨@Paralympics @milanocortina26 pic.twitter.com/zK1KrdaqQ6

— Para Ice Hockey (@paraicehockey) March 10, 2026

Czech captain Radek Zelinka praised his team’s effort.

“We wanted to keep the score 0-0 for as long as possible, and we managed to do it in the first period. Unfortunately, they scored goals on the power play, and it’s difficult to score against Canada.

“Canada is a big favourite in this tournament, and they showed it on the ice. They deserved the win - they were better, they were faster, and the goals were decisive.”

Czechia held Canada off the board in the first period thanks to nine saves from goaltender Patrik Sedlacek, who finished with 22 stops in a world‑class performance. But the pressure eventually broke in the second period.

James Dunn opened the scoring - his fifth of the tournament - at 4:46 of the middle frame, just moments after Canada nearly conceded an own goal. On a delayed penalty, the Canadians pulled goaltender Corbin Watson, but a miscommunication saw McGregor send the puck dangerously toward his own net.

Vincent Boily doubled the lead on the power play, and McGregor added another with the man advantage to make it 3-0.

Czechia got on the board in the third period when Zdeněk Hábl burst down the right side, cut past the defence, and beat Watson short side — the first goal Canada have allowed at these Games.

Liam Hickey sealed the win with an empty‑net goal 10 seconds before the final buzzer.

Watson finished with 11 saves for Canada. Veteran Greg Westlake missed Tuesday’s game due to an injury suffered against Japan. The forward is hopeful to return for the semifinals.

Slovakia beats Japan and finishes 3rd in Group B 🇨🇿
Next up: classification games on Thursday, 12 March.

Schedule, results & stats: https://t.co/shYvaS3ae9@milanocortina26 @Paralympics pic.twitter.com/rTX8souyh0

— Para Ice Hockey (@paraicehockey) March 10, 2026

Slovakia 5-1 Japan

Captain Martin Joppa led Slovakia to a historic first victory at a Paralympic Winter Games as his team came from behind to defeat Japan 5–1 in the final game of the Milano Cortina 2026 preliminary round on Tuesday (10 March).

Both teams return to the ice on Thursday. Slovakia, third in Group B, will face Germany, who finished last in Group A. Japan will meet hosts Italy, the third‑placed team in Group A.

Slovakia dictated the early pace and generated sustained pressure, outshooting Japan 7–2 in the opening period. Yet it was Japan who struck first on their initial attempt at 5:21, when a no‑look pass from Shosei Ukai found young standout Itsuki Ito alone to finish.

Japanese goaltender Kazuya Mochizuki turned aside 24 shots, including 11 in the second period, but Slovakia broke through. Joppa equalised at 9:04 before setting up David Korman with 41 seconds left in the frame to give Slovakia their first lead of the tournament.

Both teams produced quality chances early in the third, but the score held thanks to several sharp stops from Slovak netminder Eduard Lepacek, who finished with nine saves. With 5:45 remaining, Korman returned the favour by assisting Joppa for the 3–1 marker. Just 34 seconds later, the same duo combined to set up Michal Hlinka for Slovakia’s fourth.

Milos Vecerek closed out the scoring with 19 seconds left, sealing a landmark night for Slovakia at the Milano Santa Giulia Ice Hockey Arena.

Complete schedule, results and stats of the Milano Cortina 2026 Para ice hockey tournament can be found here.