Canada sweeps preliminary round of sledge hockey tournament

Canada wasted no time in wearing down the Czechs and eliminating them from the competition today, in a 1-0 score at.Shayba Arena. However it would take an entire first period in order to get there.

Captain Greg Westlake scored the game's only goal shortly after the second period began. It is his second goal of the tournament.

The Czechs, though weakened, refused to go down without a fight, which explains why the game was scoreless throughout the first period. Their goalie Michael Vapenka proved to be their strongest player, despite failing to block the one shot in the second period.

Westlake told the media afterwards it was a fun game to play, despite being a very stressful one. Canadian forward Tyler McGregor expressed extra joy over today's win because it coincided with his birthday. He says winning gold would be "icing on the cake."

Canada will now face the United States in their semi-final match-up on Thursday, at 12pm ET.

Russia and Norway will play the other semi-final game Thursday.

)