Canada scores six goals in Para ice hockey win over South Korea

LUNENBURG, N.S. – Liam Hickey scored two goals and added an assist as Canada defeated South Korea 6-1 in game two of a four-game series between the two countries in preparation for the 2022 Paralympic Winter Games in Beijing.

The Canadians, ranked second in the world and the defending Games silver medallists, routed the Koreans 7-0 in the first game on Sunday.

Anton Jacobs-Webb, Tyler McGregor, Rob Armstrong, and James Dun were the other Canadian marksmen. Adam Dixon, who recently came out of retirement, added two assists. 

Hickey, usually a defenceman, was up front for this game.

“It is exciting moving up to play forward, and any time you play with people like [Ben] Delaney and [Billy] Bridges you need to take advantage of their skill set,’’ he said. ‘’It is great playing with them, and we just want to keep building chemistry and producing on offence.”

Canada led 1-0 after the first period and 3-1 after two. Adam Kingsmill was the Canadian goaltender.

The South Koreans were the bronze medallists at their home Games in 2018 but appear to still be far behind the Americans and Canadians heading into Beijing.

The Canadian squad is using the series as a chance to prepare as a team. 

“It is a great opportunity for our team to work on a lot of our tactics and systems that we need to fine tune,’’ said Jacobs-Webb. ‘’It helps us get used to our linemates, work on some new line combinations.’’

“We are looking to assemble the best roster possible for the Paralympics,’’ said Canada’s head coach Ken Babey. ‘’We are playing different players in different positions and seeing who can build chemistry, and if we find a line that is working well together, we are going to leave it and make adjustments elsewhere.”

The next game is Thursday at 12:30 p.m. ET and can be livestreamed on HockeyTV without a subscription.