TONIGHT'S GAME
The U.S. National Junior Team, first in Group B standings, faces Russia today in its third preliminary round game of the 2017 IIHF World Junior Championship here in Toronto. Puck drop is slated for 3:30 p.m. ET and will be televised in the U.S. live on NHL Network. In addition, live updates also available on Twitter @USAHockey with the hashtags #USAWJC and #WorldJuniors.

THE SERIES VS. RUSSIA
The United States faced Russia in last year’s IIHF World Junior Championship in Helsinki, Finland, where Russia edged Team USA, 2-1, in semifinal play. Team USA trails the all-time series vs. Russia 5-0-0-12-0 (W-OTW-OTL-L) but are tied with five wins apiece in group stage play. The U.S., which has lost to Russia in its five most recent meetings, last defeated Russia on Dec. 29, 2007, in a 3-2 preliminary-round victory at the 2008 IIHF World Junior Championship. For more information on the game and series vs. Russia, click here.

Last Game Dec. 28: USA 5, SVK 2
Five different players scored, 12 players in total tallied points and Joseph
Woll
made 18 saves. Jack Roslovic was named the U.S. Player of the Game after registered two assists. His two points tied Joe Cecconi (0-2--2) for the team lead as Caleb Jones led the U.S. with 20:09 time on ice. Team USA outshot Slovakia, 50-20, was 1-for-5 on the power play and 1-for-2 on the penalty kill.