WJC TODAY - 12-20-10

Team Canada will face their first test tonight when they take on Switzerland in world junior pre-tournament action.

TSN2 has the game live beginning at 8:00 pm AST from the Generals Motor Centre in Oshawa, Ont.

Tonight’s match will be the first of three exhibition games for Canada prior to the start of the 2011 World Junior Hockey Championships which begins on Boxing Day in Buffalo.

From TSN.ca:

While Monday night's game will merely be a warmup for the challenge that awaits them in Buffalo, Team Canada will be using their exhibition contests to build chemistry and establish their lines and defensive pairings.

Head coach Dave Cameron must also decide who will start in net for the Canadians when the tournament begins on Boxing Day. Acadie-Bathurst's Olivier Roy and Niagara Ice Dogs' Mark Visentin are vying for the honour of representing their country between the pipes.

TSN’s Bob McKenzie provides the lineup for Canada tonight via Twitter:

Schwartz-Schenn-Leblanc
Kassian-Couturier-Foligno
Eakin-Johansen-Connolly
Howden-Cizikas-Ashton-Hamilton

Olsen-Ellis
Cowen-de Haan
Depres-Gudbranson
Barrie

Visentin (starting)
Roy

Saint John Sea Dogs defenseman Simon Despres finds himself paired with Erik Gudbranson, a 2010 first round pick of the Florida Panthers who currently plays with the Kingston Frontenacs.

According to the Hockey Canada website, Despres will be wearing No. 3.

For Switzerland, all eyes will be on Portland Winterhawks star Nino Niederreiter, who went fifth overall in the 2010 National Hockey League Entry Draft to the New York Islanders.

Canada will face Sweden tomorrow night in exhibition play at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto.