USA win sledge hockey gold as Paralympics set to end

The United States beat Canada with a dramatic overtime goal to win sledge hockey gold in Pyeongchang today, a fitting finale to high-octane sporting action at the Winter Paralympics.

The curtain was due to fall on the Paralympics at a closing ceremony in the evening, capping the nine-day Games that have featured sports ranging from vision-impaired skiing to wheelchair curling.

Team USA topped the medals table, with a total of 36 medals including 13 golds.

The Winter Paralympics broke records with ticket sales topping 340,000. Its other standout moments ranged from North Korea's debut to the many tales of disabled athletes fighting against the odds for sporting glory.

The sledge hockey final was the most hotly anticipated showdown of the Games, as defending Paralympic champions the United States took on reigning world champions Canada.

In the fast and furious sport, athletes with leg impairments are strapped into sledges and use two sticks to get around the rink and shoot.

Canada dominated in the early stages of the game. Billy Bridges scored in the first period and it looked like the Canadians were heading for gold as USA were unable to break through their defences.

But with just 37 seconds left on the clock, the USA's Declan Farmer scored to send the match into overtime. Three minutes into extra time, Farmer scored again to carry the USA to a 2-1 victory.

It was the USA's third straight ice hockey gold at a Paralympics.

"It was crazy... it was so close," said Farmer after his side's victory.

- Overcoming adversity -
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