Whitson, Canada Capture Silver at Japan Para Sledge Championship

Amidst the spreading disaster in Japan, Canada’s National Sledge Hockey Team was able to come home with a silverlining, winning silver at the 2011 Japan Para Ice Sledge Hockey Championships.

Derek Whitson

The tournament, which had a revised round robin format following the tragic earthquake, saw Canada playing Norway in the final game, which essentially turned out to be a gold medal match. Despite strong defence from Team Canada, including Derek Whitson, the team took home silver after Norway shut them out 1-0.

Earlier in the tournament Canada beat the host Japan 5-0 and the USA 2-1. A traditional gold medal and bronze medal game were schedule, however they were cancelled after the earthquake and subsequent tsunami struck Japan. At the time of the earthquake, Team Canada was on the ice against the USA.

Continue to follow the Chatham-Kent Sports Network for more information regarding this tournament and Derek Whitson. CKSN is hopeful to have an interview with Whitson later this week.