The first period set the pace for what might possibly have been the fastest-skating, hardest-hitting game thus far throughout the 2006 Paralympic Winter Games.

At 5:59 into play, Michael Hallman (Hatboro, Pa.) found his scoring touch, firing one into Norway’s net – his first goal of the Games.

“I was so pumped and ready to go,” said Hallman. “On that play (when he scored), my sled actually broke, but I played through it the best I could.”

Norway, intent on keeping the playing field even, fired back just a minute later, with Rolf Einar Pedersen scoring at 6:50.

The first period wrapped-up with both teams tied at one.

During the second period, it was evident that there was a shift in momentum – to Norway’s benefit. They dominated possession and shots on goal, and just 36-seconds in the period, Norway’s Helge Bjornstad showed just how serious they were, sinking goal number two into the U.S. net, putting Norway ahead by one.

At 11:03 in the second, Joe Howard (Kingston, Mass.), on an assist by Lonnie Hannah (Mansfield, Texas), tied-up the two teams by dropping a wrist shot behind Norway goalie Roger Johansen.

Manny Guerra Jr. (Plymouth, Minn.) staved off Norway, by posting five remarkable saves during the second period.

With a 2-2 tie, the third period got underway. But 54-seconds into the action, Norway was awarded a controversial penalty shot after officials called the U.S.’s Michael Hallman for holding on a Norway breakaway.

Norway’s Tommy Rovelstad successfully took the penalty shot, putting Norway up once again, 3-2.

“I think it was a questionable call,” said Manny Guerra Jr. “I mean after that play, I gave Mike (Hallman) kudos. I was saying ‘nice play’ to Mike - he did a nice job catching up to him, and I looked up and they call a penalty shot. I couldn’t believe it. But you can’t dwell on it, you have to move on and remain focused.”

With just over 14-minutes left to play, the U.S. made their best attempt to step up their play, but in the end, just couldn’t make things happen.

“Honestly, I think we came out a little flat in the third,” said team captain Joe Howard. “I mean we had some chances and we had some pressure, just couldn’t find the net.”

A fourth Norway goal lit up the scoreboard at 13:51. There was too little time for the U.S. to rebound.

It’s now on to the battle for the bronze. The U.S. will face off against the winner of tonight’s Canada/Germany game on Saturday at 5:00 p.m.