It’s so good to be back! After a 4-year hiatus, six of the world’s top Wheelchair Rugby teams returned to the Richmond Olympic Oval for the ninth Canada Cup.
A New Champion
Reigning world champions Japan became the third team to lift the Canada Cup after defeating Canada 57-56 in a thrilling overtime classic. Neither team led by more than two tries in an exciting and back and forth final that excited spectators at the Richmond Olympic Oval and had big plays from both sides.
Four-time Paralympian Trevor Hirschfield (1.0) forced the overtime when he completed a three-way passing play at the buzzer to tie the score 52-52. With only 12 seconds left in regulation, Mike Whitehead pushed down the court and tossed the ball to Zak Madell who found Hirschfield parked on the goal line to tie the game as the clock winded down.
Japan’s Yukinobu Ike used his height to win the crucial overtime tip-off as the teams traded tries. Tournament MVP Shinichi Shimakawa was the hero of the match, making a stunning hit on the baseline with 0.4 seconds on the clock to prevent Canada from scoring and seal the victory for Japan who now take over the #1 spot in the World Wheelchair Rugby Rankings.
Denmark take the bronze
Thanks to a 52-50 victory over the defending Paralympic champions Great Britain, Denmark finished on the Canada Cup podium for the first time giving the world a preview of what to expect from the next World Championships hosts. The rising European star Leon Jorgenson (3.0) paired effectively with Sebastien Frederiksen (3.5) to lead the Danes to their first medal outside of Europe.
Great Britain finished in 4th and gave valuable minutes to a number of emerging young talents like Faye West (3.5) and Ollie Mangion (3.0) in the bronze medal match and throughout the week as they continue to integrate newer players into their team post-Tokyo.
Depth and development for Australia and France
Australia and France rounded out the Canada Cup field and got to put their secondary lines to the test. With Sebastien Verdin absent for France and Chris Bond missing for Australia, both teams came into the Canada Cup aiming to work on different lines than their established hi-lows. Australia may have played the most exciting game of the round-robin phase when they outlasted Denmark 65-64 in overtime.
Wrapping up and looking ahead
While the ever-changing Covid-19 climate created challenges for hosting and participating countries, the 2022 Canada Cup teams and fans enjoyed four exciting days of hard-hitting, fast-paced and world-class Wheelchair Rugby.
Tournaments like the Canada Cup wouldn’t be possible without the help of many incredible staff, volunteers and sponsors. Special thanks to the Government of Canada, Government of British Columbia, Richmond Sport Hosting, Molten, Sheraton, Marriott and Hilton Vancouver Airport Hotels, Richmond Olympic Oval, IBEW Local 258 and host organisations Wheelchair Rugby Canada and BC Wheelchair Sports.
All six Canada Cup teams will be back in action at the World Wheelchair Rugby Championships this October in Vejle, Denmark. We’re excited to watch as the top 12 teams battle for the world title. The Canada Cup will be back in 2024!
Awards
Best in Class:
0.5 Eric Rodrigues (Canada)
1.0 Jake Howe (Australia)
1.5 Kaare Momme Nielsen (Denmark)
2.0 Gavin Walker (Great Britain)
2.5 Rodolphe Jarlan (France)
3.0 Leon Jorgenson (Denmark)
3.5 Zak Madell (Canada)
Fan Favorite: Kylie Grimes (Great Britain)
MVP: Shinichi Shimakawa (Japan)
Final Standings
1. Japan (5-1)
2. Canada (5-1)
3. Denmark (3-3)
4. Great Britain (2-4)
5. Australia (2-3)
6. France (0-6)
Jackie Patatas, Wheelchair Rugby Program Manager, BC Wheelchair Sports Association – jackie@bcwheelchairsports.com
Nathan Bragg, BC Wheelchair Sports Association Communications Coordinator – communications@bcwheelchairsports.com