The United States faces Czech Republic at Malmo Isstadion (capacity: 5,000) to open Group A play at the 2014 IIHF World Junior Championship. The Czechs finished last year’s tournament in fifth place. The U.S. is designated as the road team for the contest, yet will wear its white jerseys.

ROSTER FINALIZED
Team USA pared down its roster to 23 players, including 13 forwards, seven defensemen and three goaltenders.

THE SERIES VS. CZECH REPUBLIC
- The U.S. leads in the all-time series vs. Czech Republic, 9-1-1-7-1 (W-OTW-OTL-L-T). Game-by-game series history
-    The U.S. defeated the Czechs, 7-0, in the quarterfinal round of last year’s tournament.
- Since 2006, Team USA has won four of five meetings, including two quarterfinal confrontations.

LIVE COVERAGE
Game time today is 5:30 p.m. (11:30 a.m. ET) with live coverage in the U.S. on NHL Network (DirectTV 215, Dish 477) and NHL.com.