BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Team captain Greg Westlake had five goals and three assists as Canada opened up its defence of its sledge hockey world title with a 17-0 rout of Japan on Sunday. Brad Bowden added three goals and five assists for Canada, which led 12-0 after a wild first period and cruised to victory.

Billy Bridges contributed three goals and three assists for Canada, while Ben Delaney had a goal and four assists.

Kevin Sorley, Tyler McGregor, Marc Dorion, Adam Dixon and Bryan Sholomicki also scored, while Corbin Watson made six saves for the shutout.

Mitsuru Nagase gave up 12 goals on 21 shots in the first period. Shinobu Fukushima came on in relief and stopped 16 of 21 shots.

Canada's next game is Monday against Norway.