WORLD JUNIORS

– Tourney in the bubble begins

EDMONTON Roman Faith scored late in the third period as Slovakia beat Switzerland 1-0 in the opening game of the world junior hockey championship on Friday.

Slovakia goaltender Simon Latkoczy registered the shutout, recording 28 saves. He made a highlight-reel glove save on Inaki Baragano on a Swiss power play late in the third period at Rogers Place.

Faith scored at

14:17 of the third, banging a loose puck from the slot past Thibault Fatton.

Slovakia returns to action Sunday against Canada. The Swiss play Finland the same day.

Slovakia and Switzerland lost in quarterfinal action last year. Switzerland fell to Russia and Slovakia dropped a game against Canada.

Switzerland crushed Slovakia 7-2 in preliminary-round action last year.

Germany fell 5-3 to Finland and the United States was scheduled to face Russia later Friday.

Canada opens its tournament Saturday against Germany at 4 p.m. MT.

CP PHOTO JASON FRANSON Switzerland’s Dario Allenspach (12) skates past as Slovakia goalie Simon Latkoczy (30) celebrates the win during IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship action in Edmonton, Friday.