WJHC Day One Open Thread

Where it's okay for both sexes to drool over a bunch of 18-19 year old hockey players for eleven days.

The Schedule: 

Germany vs. Switzerland

Canada vs. Russia (1:30 PM MT/3:30 ET, TSN, TSN.ca, NHL Network)

Norway vs. Sweden

FInland vs. USA (6PM MT/8 ET, TSN2, NHL Network) 

Players to Watch: Flames prospects G Joni Ortio and American captain D John Ramage could likely be squaring off against each other when Finland takes on the USA this evening, while defencemen Tim Erixon will take to the ice for Sweden, although I don't believe that game is televised. Also, Sean Couturier in all his toothless glory. 

With eight returning players from last year's gold medal winning team, there's no doubt that Team USA is the favourite in this tournament, but Canada is in no way an underdog, with some very talented players on their roster, only one of which (Couturier) has not yet been drafted by an NHL team. Like recent years, Canada's main problems will likely be staying out of the penalty box and keeping their foot on the gas in games where they should have already put their opponents away. 

Have at 'er. Any left over warm-fuzzy Christmas feelings will surely dissipate quickly.