Canada places 2nd in Para hockey cup, but winning wasn't their only goal
St. John's native Liam Hickey says playing in front of family and friends was special
It wasn't the outcome they'd hoped for, but some members of Team Canada's national sledge hockey team said full stands, ecstatic fans and the chance to introduce hundreds of people to a new sport is no loss.
Team Canada's national sledge hockey team fell short against the United States during the final of the 2019 Tire Para Hockey Cup, held in Paradise on Saturday evening.
"I think that is really what this all about," said Liam Hickey of St. John's. "I think people here got a real appreciation what the sport is all about."
Although Hickey said he would have liked to have come out on top, seeing his family and friends in the stands was a special moment.
"I never really thought I would get this opportunity to represent my country and province in front of a home crowd," he said.
The Canadians had an up-and-down tournament, finishing round-robin play with one win and two losses. They lost to the Americans 2-1 in the championship game.
"I thought it was an amazing game," said captain Tyler McGregor. "The atmosphere in here was electric."
McGregor said the fans have been "unbelievable" all week, and he was happy to see a lot of kids out at the games.
"When all is said and done, what we are really here for is trying to introduce that next young kid to the sport," he said.
"If that is the biggest outcome from this week, then we have accomplished our goal."
The Americans outshot Canada 21-7 in the final.
Russia downed the Czech Republic for bronze Saturday afternoon with a 5-0 victory.