Para Ice Hockey Playoffs: US vs Czechia & Canada vs China

0:00It's March 12th, here's your NHL news in two minutes. Pera Icehockey, once called Sledgehockey, has been a Paralympic highlight since his debut at the 1994 Games in Lilliehammer. The sports fast pace and physical play make it a fan favorite at the Winter Paralympics. Right now, the 2026 tournament in Milan is hitting the playoff stage, running from March 7th to 15th. On Friday, the United States faces Czechia at 9.35am, Eastern daylight time, while Canada takes on China at 205pm for a spot. In Sunday's gold medal game, the US team is chasing a 5th straight title. Games use 3-15 minute periods, shorter than the 20 minute ones in stand-up hockey. Full strength is 5 on 5, but overtime shifts to 4 on 4 here at the Paralympics, unlike 3 on 3 in Olympic play. We saw that first overtime on March 12th, when Germany beats LaVakia. Players sit in double-blades sledges made of materials like steel or titanium, strapped

1:01in for safety. They use short sticks with a blade for puck control and a toothed pick to push forward. Benches are ice level, with plexiglass for easy changes and clear views. Roasters top out at 17 players, mostly open to all genders though, women are rare. Pan has one of the few, and plans are set for a women's event by 2030. Standard tournaments run even smaller lineups. Appreciation to our sponsor for back in this episode. Your pillow, your podcast, your moment, made for listening in bed, solypilo.com.