The first day of the preliminary round at the World Championship on Friday in Slovakia will feature 10 Blackhawks players, including two prospects.
The two Group A games will be broadcasted on NHL Network, with Finland (defenseman Henri Jokiharju and goalie prospect Kevin Lankinen) opening the tournament against Canada (forward Dylan Strome) at Steel Arena in Kosice.
The second game features the United States (wingers Alex DeBrincat and Patrick Kane) facing off against host Slovakia.
In Group B, Russia (center Artem Anisimov) meets Norway (winger Andreas Martinsen) in the first tournament game at Onrej Nepela Arena in Bratislava.
The Czech Republic (prospect Dominik Kubalik) then takes on two-time reigning World champion Sweden (defenseman Erik Gustafsson and forward Marcus Kruger) in the second game.
Friday’s schedule
A: Finland vs. Canada, 9 a.m. (NHLN)
A: United States vs. Slovakia, 1 p.m. (NHLN)
B: Russia vs. Norway, 9 a.m.
B: Czech Republic vs. Sweden, 1 p.m.