BRECLAV, Czech Republic - Canada's under-18 men's hockey team arrived in the Czech Republic on Saturday, and played its first pre-tournament game on Sunday, where Canada lost 1-0 in a shootout to the Czech Republic.

The game was the final tune-up ahead of the Junior World Cup.

After three periods of scoreless play, the game went to a shootout. The first five Canadian shooters were McCrae, Toews, Sheppard, McGinn and Hamill. Both teams were scoreless after five shooters. Fadden and Shutron took shots in the sudden death shootout before Irving was beat between the legs by Karel Kubat for the Czech victory.

Jonathan Bernier of Laval, Que., and Leland Irving of Swan Hills, Alta., split goaltending duties for Canada, Bernier stopping 12 shots and Irving making nine saves. Canada outshot the Czechs 28-20.

The Canadians are looking to defend their gold medal and win their ninth Junior World Cup gold at the tournament that begins Tuesday in Breclav and Piestany, Slovakia.

Canada will practice on Monday in Breclav and start the tournament on Tuesday against the Swiss.