Canada has two pre-tournament tune-ups scheduled in Imatra before travelling back to Helsinki and announcing the final roster for the 2016 IIHF World Junior Championship, on Sunday, Dec 20.

The first pre-competition game against the team from Belarus is at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday. The team also takes on the Czech Republic on Sunday at 10 a.m. ET, and Sweden on Wednesday, Dec. 23 at 12 p.m. ET. Hockey Canada’s official broadcasters, TSN and RDS, are scheduled to broadcast all tournament games, including the three pre-tournament games; check local listings for details.

Fans encouraged to connect with Team Canada through unique event hashtags

Working with its partners at TELUS and TSN/RDS, Hockey Canada will be bringing unique perspectives for fans to get an inside glimpse of the team, as well as connect with the players, through social media.

The hashtags #WorldJuniors, #allheartcanada, and #HereWeGo will be used on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to help fans follow and connect with the team. Beginning Dec. 23, a large screen in the players’ lounge will give Canada’s National Junior Team the chance to read the Canadian fans’ messages of support, and the players will respond to select messages thanks to technology provided by TELUS.

“It’s important for the players, coaches, and team staff to know the fans are behind them and cheering them on,” said Tom Renney, president and CEO of Hockey Canada. Prior to joining Hockey Canada in his current role, Renney coached in the NHL and internationally with Team Canada at the IIHF World Junior Championship, IIHF World Championship, and Olympic Winter Games. “The team is a long way from Canada and working with our partners, we are using the latest in technology to allow fans a chance to feel connected to our team, and give them a piece of home while they go for gold in Finland.”

Canada won gold at the IIHF World Junior Championship on home ice in January. The team has not won in Europe since 2008 – the fourth of five consecutive gold medals for Canada’s National Junior Team from 2005-09.

Canada opens the 2016 IIHF World Junior Championship, scheduled for Dec. 26, 2015 to Jan. 5, 2016 in Helsinki, Finland, against the United States on Saturday, Dec. 26 at 2 p.m. ET.

For more information on Canada’s National Junior Team, please visit hockeycanada.ca, or follow along via social media on Facebook, and Twitter.