The 2013 U.S. National Junior Team opens the 2013 IIHF World Junior Championships on Thursday against Germany at 9 a.m. ET.

After training camps in New York and Finland that included two exhibition games, Team USA head coach Phil Housley said his team is ready for game action.

"I think we have the luxury of one extra day off and a day of practice, which helps," Housley said. "(The off day Wednesday) also let the guys get acclimated to Russia and allowed us to prepare for our first game against Germany."

The game will be broadcast live on NHL Network-U.S. (TV Schedule & Info) and also re-aired later in the day.

Team USA will play back-to-back games to start the tournament, facing host Russia on Friday at 9 a.m. ET.

USA Hockey will run a live game blog that will include a comment stream for fans who want to join the conversation. Throughout the tournament, share your thoughts and send Team USA well wishes on Twitter with the hashtag #USAWJC.