CALGARY, Alta. – The U.S. National Developmental Sled Hockey Team defeated Canada, 5-1, today to sweep the three-game series this week (Mar. 11-13) at Markin McPhail Centre in Calgary.

The U.S. won all three games, winning 3-0 on Wednesday (Mar. 11) and 3-2 in a shootout on Thursday (Mar. 12).

“I liked our effort from start to finish,” said Mike MacMillan, head coach of the U.S. National Developmental Sled Hockey Team. “There’s a lot we can take away from this week and I’m glad we were able to complete the sweep.”

The U.S. opened the scoring 5:40 into the first period when Chandler Couture (Littleton, Colo.) rang a shot off the post and past Canada’s goaltender, Jonathan Derry. Erik Knotts (Willoughby, Ohio) was credited with the assist.

After a scoreless second stanza, the U.S. doubled its lead 90 seconds into the third period on a power-play goal from Noah Grave (Frederick, Md.). Team USA pushed its lead to 3-0 when Craig Brady’s (Silver Springs, Mass.) pass gave Couture a shorthanded breakaway for his second goal of the game.

Jack Wallace (Franklin Lakes, N.J.) scored his fourth goal of the series at the 10:42 mark before Rob Armstrong put Canada on the board with a snap shot 21 seconds later. Kyle Zych (South Hadley, Mass.) added an empty-net goal for Team USA to seal the victory and sweep the series.

Griffin LaMarre (Haverhill, Mass.) made four saves for his first victory of the season.

NOTES: The 2015 IPC Ice Sledge Hockey World Championships will take place April 26-May 3 at HARBORCENTER in Buffalo, New York … For more information, click here … The U.S. National Developmental Sled Hockey Team’s victory today marks its 14th in the last 15 meetings against Canada … The U.S. outshot Canada 29-5, including 9-0 in the second period … For full game statistics, click here … Mike MacMillan (Buffalo, Minn.) is the head coach of the U.S. National Developmental Sled Hockey Team. MacMillan also serves as USA Hockey’s National Coach-In-Chief … Former U.S. Paralympic Team members Kip St. Germaine (East Falmouth, Mass.) and Mike Blabac (Hamburg, N.Y.) serve as associate head coach and assistant coach, respectively … Jeremy Kennedy (Colorado Springs, Colo.), USA Hockey’s manager of membership and disabled hockey, is the general manager.