Did you hear that huge sigh of relief across Canada Wednesday morning caused by the Canadian para ice hockey team?

There were a few nervous seconds caused by the Canadians, who came within a few ice chips of giving up their first goal of the Paralympic games by – are you sitting down? – scoring on themselves, which would have been – don’t get up, yet – their first goal against of the Paralympics.

TAIT: Canada bests strong Czechia squad in para ice hockey in Milan Back to video

I am not making this up.

In a scoreless game against Czechia, Canada pulled goaltender Corbin Watson for an extra attacker on a delayed penalty. Canadian captain Tyler McGregor, deep in the right circle in the offensive zone, and passed it back to the right point.

But … nobody was there.

The puck zoomed down to the Canadian zone. Empty net, remember?

The puck whizzed by the lonely cage, barely – and I mean, barely – missing the net.

Canada survived, and went on to a 4-1 victory, with three power play goals, improving to a perfect 3-0 record in Pool B of the Paralympics. They now face the second-place team from Pool A, China, in the semi-finals Friday.

After outshooting their opponents........

© Edmonton Sun