Confident and united: Canada leveraging experience in pursuit of Para ice hockey gold in Milano-Cortina

For Canada’s Para hockey team, every matchup against the United States is more than just a game — it’s a chance to make history.

This storied rivalry has seen its share of highs and lows. In the teams’ last matchup at the 2025 World Para Hockey Championship, Canada lost 6–1 to the U.S. A year earlier, Canada defeated its nemesis 2-1 to capture its first world title since 2017.

In recent Paralympic history, the U.S. has dominated, winning the past four finals. Canada’s last Paralympic gold came in 2006.

Despite the two-decade period since its last Paralympic gold, Canada's ambition remains unshaken.

The recent loss at the 2025 world championships only made Team Canada’s hunger for gold that much greater.

That loss only fuelled their fire and served as motivation for the team entering the 2026 Paralympics in Milano-Cortina.

“If anything, that loss will inspire us to continue to bring our best every day until it's time to redeem ourselves,” veteran forward Dominic Cozzolino said.

Opening ceremony Canadian co-flag-bearer and team captain Tyler McGregor shared similar optimism after the loss, saying “I don't think it's shaken our belief at all.”

A sentiment evidenced by Canada's unblemished start to the preliminary phase of the Paralympic ice hockey tournament and punctuated with a 4-1 victory over Czechia on Tuesday to top Pool B ahead of Friday's semifinal against China.

Canada wins Pool B in Para ice hockey as power play dominates Czechia

McGregor has led Canada since 2019, but his approach to leadership has evolved.

“Early on, it was something that I wasn't necessarily prepared for ... I put a lot of pressure on myself to do too much,” McGregor said.

The star forward from Forest, Ont., felt that he wasn’t being himself