29-05-2025
Para Ice Hockey World Championship returns to Buffalo, with medal round this weekend
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – After a decade, the Para Ice Hockey World Championship is returning to Buffalo – and the gold medal will be awarded Saturday at Harborcenter.
We spoke with members of Team USA to hear what this world championship means to them as the host nation for the first time in 10 years.
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The rink at Harborcenter has become a global stage, showcasing eight different sled hockey teams from around the world.
In 2015, Team USA took home the gold right here in Buffalo in a thrilling game against Canada, and their return is not a comeback, but a homecoming.
For players like forward Malik Jones, this isn't just a career milestone, but a dream come true.
'It means everything. I've had this dream since I was 7 years old,' said Jones.
Team USA won all three of its games in the Preliminary Round, beating Norway, Slovakia and Czechia by a combined score of 29-3. Team Canada is also undefeated entering the semifinals.
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Returning team veterans and staff urge Western New Yorkers to come out and show support for Team USA.
'If you've never seen sled hockey before, it's absolutely amazing. Get out here, come enjoy it. It's super physical and I think it's really inspiring to see all of these amazing athletes out here,' said forward Brody Roybal, who was also a member of the the 2015 world championship team that won gold in Buffalo.
The event showcases teams and fans from all around the world, so be sure to catch Team USA in the semifinals on Friday, with the medal round to follow on Saturday. Click here to see the full schedule.
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