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U.S. Sled Hockey Team Sets Sights on Bronze Medal Match after Falling to Norway
By Beth Bourgeois
// USOC Media Services
// March 16, 2006
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| Photo by Getty Images |
Manny Guerra (left) looks on as Michael Hallman (bottom right) takes down Norway's Tommy Rovelstad. Rovelstad was awarded a penalty shot on the play, and he converted for the game-winning goal.
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TORINO, Italy – The U.S. Sled Hockey Team’s dreams of chasing gold were doused today after Team Norway outscored them, 4-2. The U.S. still has a chance at earning itself some hardware, as the team will now move on to the bronze medal match on Saturday.
The first period set the pace for what might possibly have been the fastest-skating, hardest-hitting game thus far at the 2006 Paralympic Winter Games.
At 5:59 into play, Michael Hallman (Hatboro, Pa.) found his scoring touch, firing one into Norway’s for 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 backhand 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 Hallman for holding on a Norway breakaway.
Norway’s Tommy Rovelstad successfully converted the penalty shot, putting Norway up once again, 3-2.
“I think it was a questionable call,” said Guerra. “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 Howard. “I mean, we had some chances and we had some pressure. We just couldn’t find the net.”
Norway added a power-play goal at 13:51 to seal the victory.
It’s now on to the battle for the bronze. The U.S. will face off against the loser of tonight’s Canada/Germany game on Saturday at 5:00 p.m.
Scoring
First period
- USA – Michael Hallman (Joe Howard), 5:59
- NOR – Pedersen, 6:50
Second period
- NOR – Bjornstad, :36
- USA – Joe Howard (Lonnie Hannah), 11:03
Third period
- NOR – Rovelstad, :54
- NOR – Bjornstad (Hagen, Svee), 13:51
Shots on Goal
1 2 3 Total
USA 5 1 1 7
NOR 4 7 6 17
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