Bradley Bowden had a goal and two assists as Canada opened defence of its title at the World Sledge Hockey Challenge in P.E.I. with a 4-0 win over the United States.

Graeme Murray scored 35 seconds into the first period to put Canada up early and Bowden made it 2-0 eight minutes later.

Billy Bridges and Todd Nicholson scored third period goals to give Canada its third win in five tries against their American rivals.

Paul Rosen made a total of 10 saves for the shutout.

Canada next faces Norway on Wednesday. The Norwegians were surprised 1-0 by Japan, which lost 8-0 to the Norwegians a year ago at this same event.

Canada are back-to-back defending champions of this event, having won the inaugural tournament in 2007 in Kelowna, B.C. and last year's event in Charlottetown.