The highly touted Canadian side gets its 2013 World Junior Championships campaign started Wednesday morning against a weak German side.
The Canadians settled for third place last season after a poor performance against Russia ended a near perfect tournament. The team won all four matches in the group stage and scored 26 matches in the process. They only allowed five goals and were immediately vaulted to the Semi-finals where they spotted Russia 6-1 lead that they never recovered from. This year's team is looking to redeem last year's poor performance.
The roster gets a major boost from the NHL Lockout and includes Ryan Nugent-Hopkins of the Edmonton Oiler. The first overall pick in the 2011 Entry Draft was nominated for the NHL's Calder Trophy and would have won if not for an injury that kept him out for a substantial amount of time. Aside from Nugent-Hopkins, Canada's roster is littered with first round talent including Ryan Strome, Jonathan Huberdeau, Mark Schiefele, Morgan Rielly, Ryan Murphy, Dougie Hamilton, Griffin Reinhart, and Malcolm Subban. Rising star and potential first overall pick in the 2013 draft Nathan McKinnon will also be featured on Canada's roster. Malcolm Subban will get the start in goal for Canada.
Their opponents on Wednesday are a heavily undermanned German side that did not participate in last year's top division. The squad features no NHL prospects and is not expected to do much in this round.
Prediction: Canada should easily win this match; 10-1 Canada.
Start Time: 4:30 AM EST
TV Info: TSN, NHL Network (Re-run on TSN at 12 PM EST and 7:30 PM EST)