Americans seem to feel right at home at the Richmond Olympic Oval.
For the sixth time in as many appearances, the United States has captured Canada Cup International Wheelchair Rugby Tournament, capping a perfect four-day run at the Oval with a 56-53 win over Japan in Sunday’s gold medal game.
The biennial event was created back in 2004 by the B.C. Wheelchair Sports Association and has grown to become the most prestigious event on the international schedule, outside of the World Championships and Paralympic Games.
The US entered this year’s tournament ranked No. 2 in the world behind Australia and won some very tight games to finish on top of the podium.
The final marked the third time the Americans had squared off against Japan over the course of the weekend with earlier 51-50 and 60-52 victories.
It was a commendable fourth place finish for the host Canadians who are in the midst of rebuilding for the 2020 Paralympic Games in Toyko.
Canada hung tough with Australia in the bronze medal match, falling 63-56.
Five players were making their Canada Cup debut this year, as well as head coach Patrick Côté.
Up next for Canada and the rest of the field is the 2018 IWRF Wheelchair Rugby World Championships in Sydney in August.
