After twelve games of pre-tournament action across the globe, the actual World Cup of Hockey starts this afternoon, with four teams in action. All games are being played at the Air Canada Centre, in Toronto.
First Team USA will take on Team Europe – remember, all the American and Canadian young players under the age of 23 (including Buffalo Sabres’ Jack Eichel) are on Team North America who play tomorrow. Team Europe will be composed of all the European countries not named Russia, Sweden, Finland or Czech Republic.
Both teams ended the pre-tournament round with wins – Team USA beat Team Finland 3-2 on Tuesday, while Team Europe defeated Team Sweden 6-2 on Wednesday.
In the latter game of the day, it’ll be hosts Team Canada against Team Czech, who are one of the weaker teams in the competition with Jaromir Jagr and Jiri Hudler declining to play, and then losing David Krejci, Tomas Hertl and Radko Gudas to injuries. Ryan O’Reilly will be in the Canada team after replacing Tyler Seguin, going up against Michal Neuvirth, who has been one of the best goalies in the warmup games so far.
In their last games, Team Czech Republic edged Team North America 3-2 on Wednesday, while Team Canada beat Team Russia 3-2 in overtime.
Saturday, Sept. 17 – Group A
Team USA vs. Team Europe
Time: 3:30 p.m. EST, 12:30 p.m. PST
Television: ESPN2, SN, TVA Sports
Online: WatchESPN app
Team Czech Republic vs. Team Canada
Time: 8 p.m. EST, 5 p.m. PST
Television: ESPNEWS, SN, TVA Sports
Online: WatchESPN app
Official website: www.wch2016.com