Music: {allcanada} Canada routs Japan to open sledge hockey worlds

Sunday, April 26, 2015

{allcanada} Canada routs Japan to open sledge hockey worlds

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BUFFALO, N.Y. — Team captain Greg Westlake had five goals and three assists as Canada opened up its defence of its sledge hockey world title with a 17-0 rout of Japan on Sunday.

Westlake, named captain of the Canadian team just before the start of the tournament, opened the scoring just 20 seconds into the game and had three goals and two assists in Canada's wild 12-0 first period.

"Greg is an excellent leader and he leads by example, and I think today we saw what he can bring when he's really focused and playing at the top of his game," Canada coach Ken Babey said.

Brad Bowden, an assistant captain and Westlake's linemate, added three goals and five assists.

"We wanted to get off to a good start at the tournament and set the pace, and obviously that line did that," Babey said.

Billy Bridges contributed three goals and three assists for Canada, while Ben Delaney had a goal and four assists.

Kevin Sorley, Tyler McGregor, Marc Dorion, Adam Dixon and Bryan Sholomicki also scored, while Corbin Watson made six saves for the shutout.

Mitsuru Nagase gave up 12 goals on 21 shots in the first period. Shinobu Fukushima came on in relief and stopped 16 of 21 shots.

Canada's next game is Monday against Norway.

"They're a serious contender," Babey said of the Norwegians. "They have some good leadership on that team and it's going to be a challenge to beat them. I believe if we work hard and play within our structure and get the leadership form experienced players, it betters our chances against a strong opponent."

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