Russia, Sweden face off as pre-tourney begins tonight in Kelowna — B1

Pre-tournament game, 7 p.m. at Prospera Place

It’s officially World Junior season! Tonight, at Prospera Place in Kelowna, the puck drops on the Lordco Road to the World Juniors pre-tournament schedule with Russia facing Sweden in a 7 p.m. PT puck-drop.

Nine communities across B.C. will play host to 12 pre-tournament games this week before the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship begins on Boxing Day in Vancouver and Victoria.

Team Canada will take on Switzerland on Wednesday and Slovakia on Friday, both in Victoria, before wrapping up exhibition play against Finland on Sunday in Vancouver, which will also host Canada’s pool games for the round-robin portion of the tournament.

As for tonight’s pre-tournament opener between Russia and Sweden, it will feature several first-round NHL draft picks and top prospects from both countries. The players are still competing for roster spots and roles, so there will be plenty at stake.

Sweden boasts a strong defence led by Vegas Golden Knights prospect Erik Brannstrom, the 15th overall pick from 2017. He’s currently playing his first season in North America with the AHL’s Chicago Wolves. The 19-year-old has 20 points (four goals, 16 assists) and 22 penalty minutes in 24 games.

Russia will have Washington Capitals 2018 first-round pick Alexander Alexeyev on their blue line. He’s a third-year import for the WHL’s Red Deer Rebels and has 31 points (seven goals, 24 assists) through 30 games this season.

The Red Machine will also have firepower up front in San Jose Sharks prospect Ivan Chekhovich, the Canadian Hockey League’s Player of the Week for Dec. 10.

Tickets are still available online at selectyourtickets.com, at the Prospera Place box office or by phone at 250-762-5050.