NHL Network-U.S., NHL.com offers live WJC coverage

NEW YORK -- The NHL Network-U.S. and NHL.com once again will offer fans in the United States the opportunity to watch live competition from the 2013 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship, Dec. 26-Jan. 5 in Ufa, Russia. The IIHF World Junior Championship features the top men's hockey players in the world under the age of 20 and is one of the top events on the world hockey calendar each year. Participating nations include Canada, Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Russia, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland and the United States.

The NHL Network-U.S. will broadcast live all U.S. contests at the 2013 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship, with all preliminary-round games being re-aired in primetime. The NHL Network-U.S. also will air Team USA's two pre-tournament games live from Finland.

An additional 12 games from the IIHF World Junior Championship also will be aired live on the NHL Network-U.S. and will be re-aired later that same day, including six preliminary-round games and the entire medal round. For the latest NHL Network listings, visit http://www.nhl.com/ice/page.htm?id=58058.

Steve Mears, who handles play-by-play for Pittsburgh Penguins HD Radio and covered the NHL Playoffs and Final last year for the NHL Network, will call all U.S. games in the tournament, with NHL Network’s E.J. Hradek serving as the analyst and Rob Simpson as the rink-side reporter.

NHL.com will provide a live stream of all Team USA tournament games (available only in the U.S.). NHL.com will have the latest information from the tournament, including scores and highlights. Staff writers Mike Morreale and Adam Kimelman, as well as special contributor Dave Starman will provide in-depth analysis on all of the action.

The U.S. squad will be coached by former NHL standout Phil Housley, the highest-scoring U.S.-born defenseman in NHL history. Defenseman Seth Jones, a top prospect for the 2013 Draft, is expected to be part of the U.S. roster.