Subban earned No. 1 goalie role.

But Juniors’ netminder faces tough Slovak team

UFA, Russia – The net belongs to Malcolm Subban. At least, for now.

Subban, who got the start against Germany on the opening day of the world junior hockey championship, will start again for Team Canada against Slovakia on Friday morning (2:30 a.m., TSN).

The Belleville Bulls netminder was named the starter ahead of Jordan Binnington of the Owen Sound Attack, but he will have to be at his best if he wants to stay put.

He’ll see a lot more rubber against Slovakia than he did against Germany, which generated 28 shots compared to 46 shots Canada pumped at Elmar Trautmann.

“It’s not even so much not seeing a lot of pucks,” said Subban, “but when your team starts running up the score, it makes it even harder to stay focused because the game is almost out of reach.

“I’m also not used to not getting a lot of shots. Usually, I’m not on the all-star team.”

By his own admission, Subban said he didn’t get off to the best of beginnings in Canada’s 9-3 victory, which is why he was leaning on goaltending coach Ron Tugnutt for some advice before the third period of Wednesday’s game.

“I thought the first two periods, I had the nerves going a bit. Obviously, it was the first game and it’s tough when you’re not seeing that many shots, but I thought by the third period I had calmed down a lot,” he said.

“I was really excited. I couldn’t wait to get started. I think it was the adrenalin.”

Subban is also not used to the uncertainty of his role. With the Bulls, he’s the starter, with Canada, it’s been a toss-up as to which of the two goalies would get the nod.

“The deciding factor was experience,” said head coach Steve Spott. “He played over here this summer (in the Canada-Russia Challenge) and as I said to Jordan Binnington, you have to be prepared on a moment’s notice.

“I’ve told Jordan to be ready.”