The United States defeated Czech Republic 6-1 on Friday in the semi-finals of the Paralympic sled hockey tournament in Milan, advancing to the gold medal game for a fifth consecutive Games.
Declan Farmer scored three goals and assisted on the other three as the Americans pulled away after conceding the opening goal. Farmer’s hat-trick – his fourth in four games at these Games – set records for most goals and most points in a single Paralympic tournament. He now has 14 goals and 24 points in Milan.
Farmer tied the score late in the first period after Czech Republic opened the scoring earlier in the game. The United States took control in the second period with goals by David Eustace and Farmer within a 30-second span.
Josh Pauls added another in the third period before Farmer completed his hat-trick. Noah Grove closed the scoring with a powerplay goal. Eustace finished with three points.
The victory sends the United States into a fifth straight Paralympic gold medal game as they seek a fifth consecutive title. The Americans will face either Canada or China in the final.
Czech Republic, who have never finished higher than fifth at a Paralympics, will play in the bronze medal game.
