CALGARY, Alta. – Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team will take part in a pre-competition camp in Toronto through Wednesday, March 24, before taking part in the 2010 IIHF World Women’s Under-18 Championship, scheduled for March 27 to April 3 in Chicago, Ill.

The team will practice at the Mastercard Centre in addition to playing a pair of pre-tournament games, against a team of OUA all-stars on Tuesday, March 23 and a team of OWHA all-stars on Wednesday, March 24.

NATIONAL WOMEN’S U-18 TEAM PRE-COMP. CAMP SCHEDULE (all times ET)

Saturday, March 20 Practice 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Practice 6-8 p.m.

Sunday, March 21 Practice 5-7 p.m.

Tuesday, March 23 Practice 10-11 a.m.

Game vs. OUA 7 p.m.

Wednesday, March 24 Practice 10-11 a.m.

Game vs. OWHA 6:30 p.m.

Admission to all practices and games at camp is free of charge.

Canada’s National Women’s Under-18 Team departs for Chicago on Thursday, March 25, and opens the 2010 IIHF World Women’s Under-18 Championship against Russia on Saturday, March 27 at Seven Bridges Arena.

Canada has settled for silver for two years running at the IIHF World Women’s Under-18 Championship, falling 3-2 in overtime to the United States last year and losing 5-2, again to the Americans, at the inaugural tournament in 2008 in Calgary.

Eight teams will compete for the gold medal at this year’s IIHF World Women’s Under-18 Championship. Group A includes the Czech Republic, Finland, Japan and the United States, while Group B consists of Canada, Russia, Germany and Sweden. The bronze and gold medal matches are scheduled for Saturday, April 3 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. CT, respectively.