U.S. goalie Demko to start against Canada

MONTREAL -- Goaltender Thatcher Demko has been named the starter for the United States against rival Canada in the pivotal preliminary-round game at Bell Centre in Montreal on Wednesday (4 p.m. ET, NHLN-US, NHL.com).

Demko (Vancouver Canucks) has one regulation win against Slovakia (3-0) and one shootout win against Finland (2-1). He has a 0.48 goals-against average and .978 save percentage in two games.

Brandon Halverson (New York Rangers) was in goal for a 6-0 victory against Germany in the United States' other preliminary-round game. Halverson, who made 14 saves against Germany, will serve as the backup against Canada.

The winning team Wednesday will clinch the top spot in Group A and face the fourth-place team from Group B in the quarterfinals Friday; the losing team would finish second in Group A and play the third-place team from Group B in the quarterfinals.

Canada coach Benoit Groulx announced Tuesday that goaltender Eric Comrie (Winnipeg Jets) will make his second start of the tournament Wednesday.

Follow Mike Morreale on Twitter: @mikemorrealeNHL