Tyler McGregor found the net with five minutes and 33 seconds remaining in regulation time to secure Canada a famous 2-1 victory over the Paralympic and world champions.  

The US pulled their goaltender Steve Cash from the net with 38 seconds remaining in the hope of forcing overtime but Canada were able to hold off their close rivals.

"I thought we had great efforts from everybody and beating a team like that, that’s what it takes," McGregor said.

"It feels great for sure, but there is a lot of work to do still.

"We get a day off tomorrow.

"When the time comes to play them again, we’ll be ready."

America's Josh Pauls set up team-mate Declan Farmer for the first goal of the match, however, a holding penalty from the US allowed Canada’s Greg Westlake to even the scoreline at the end of the first period thanks to a Billy Bridges assist. 

A scoreless second period saw both teams have three penalties apiece, setting up a dramatic finish as McGregor settled the encounter.

Victory for Canada ensures they remain the only team undefeated after two preliminary-round matches at the first-ever Pan Pacific Championships.

After falling to defeat at the hands of Canada yesterday, South Korea claimed a 4-1 victory over Team Pan Pacific - a side comprised of players from Japan and other participating countries.

Team Pan Pacific struck first with Mathieu Trudeau finding the net with less than a minute-and-a-half on the clock.

Back-to-back goals from Seung-Hwan Jung, followed by another from Young-Jae Cho, opened up the match for South Korea and they never looked back with Byeong-Seok Cho completing the scoring.

All four competing teams will have a rest day tomorrow and are due to resume play on Friday (April 1).

Team Pan Pacific will attempt to register their first win against Canada, followed by America's clash with South Korea.

The medal matches are scheduled to take place on Saturday (April 2).