Farmer hat-trick propels USA to fifth straight Paralympic sled hockey final The United States secured a 6-1 victory over the Czech Republic in the semi-finals of the Paralympic sled hockey tournament in Milan on Friday, advancing to the gold medal game for the fifth consecutive Paralympic Games. Declan Farmer led the charge with a hat-trick, scoring three goals and assisting on the other three, as the Americans dominated the match after conceding the opening goal. Farmer’s performance set new records for most goals and points in a single Paralympic tournament, with 14 goals and 24 points in Milan. The Czech Republic opened the scoring early in the first period, but Farmer tied the game late in the same frame. The United States took control in the second period with a flurry of goals, as David Eustace and Farmer both scored within a 30-second span. Farmer extended his lead in the third period with another goal, while Josh Pauls added a fourth for the Americans. Noah Grove sealed the win with a powerplay goal, and Eustace finished with three points. The win marks the United States’ fifth consecutive appearance in the Paralympic gold medal game, where they will face either Canada or China in the final. The Czech Republic, who have never finished higher than fifth at a Paralympics, will compete for the bronze medal. Farmer’s historic performance underscores the team’s dominance, as they continue their quest for a fifth consecutive title.#united_states #milan #czech_republic #declan_farmer #paralympic_sled_hockey
U.S. Tops Czechia, 6-1, Advancing To Gold Medal Game The U.S. Paralympic Sled Hockey Team secured a decisive 6-1 victory over Czechia in the semifinals of the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, advancing to the gold medal game for the fifth consecutive time. Declan Farmer of Tampa, Fla., led the charge with three goals and three assists, breaking the Paralympic single-tournament record for goals (14) and points (24). The game, played at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on Friday, set up a showdown against the winner of the Canada-China semifinal on Sunday. Head coach David Hoff praised the team’s performance, noting their focus and resilience. “I thought we had a really solid effort from start to finish,” Hoff said. “I liked how we stayed with what we were trying to do and I thought our team had patience and persistence, which gives us a chance to play in the game we all want to on Sunday.” Czechia opened the scoring at 5:08 into the game when Michal Geier tapped in a loose rebound during a power play. Farmer responded with the first of his six goals 10:26 into the first period, tying the game at 1-1. His goal came after sweeping in a rebound from Travis Dodson’s initial shot. This marked the start of a dominant U.S. run, as the team extended its lead in the second period by scoring two goals within 19 seconds. David Eustace backhanded a rebound off Patrik Sedlacek’s glove for the second goal, then set up Farmer for the third. Josh Pauls added a fourth goal early in the third period with a low shot from the slot. Farmer’s third goal came with 7:08 remaining in the final frame, as he tapped in a shot around an outstretched goaltender. The U.S.#us_paralympic_sled_hockey_team #declan_farmer #david_hoff #milano_santagiulia_ice_hockey_arena #canada_china_semifinal
