McGregor, Cozzolino lead Canada over China to open Para Hockey Cup in N.B.

Canada opened the 2023 Para Hockey Cup in Quispamsis, N.B., with a 4-1 victory over China on Sunday.

The matchup marked the first time in men's Para hockey history that Canada met China in international play, with captain Tyler McGregor and Mississauga, Ont., native Dominic Cozzolino factoring in on every Canadian goal.

China was a standout team at the 2023 World Para Ice Hockey Championshipin Moose Jaw, Sask., in May and June, going undefeated in its preliminary-round group before eventually losing to the Czech Republic in the bronze-medal game.

"[China] is a team that we have never played before," McGregor said in a release. "We had the chance to watch them at the [worlds] in Moose Jaw and saw who their top players are, but structurally we did not know a whole lot about them.

"Reflecting on the game, what I am most proud of from our group is that we learned on the fly, adjusted on the go, and found a way to win. I was fighting for the puck a bit tonight, so on nights like those, you try to get the puck to those around you. I am fortunate that I play with some great players who were able to capitalize on those opportunities."

The Forest, Ont., native played the role of distributor early, setting up Liam Hickey on the power play and Cozzolino at even-strength to give Canada a 2-0 lead in the first period.

Jonathan Daigle of Boucherville, Que., earned his first assist for Canada on Cozzolino's first-period goal.

"It was incredible," Daigle said. "It is a dream come true to play for Team Canada and to have my first assist on my first shift of the game was amazing; I hope it is the first of many. This is so much more fun than I had thought. All of my teammates are really nice, looking out for me on the ice and helping me