The 2010 IIHF World Junior Championships began today in Saskatoon and Regina, Saskatchewan - with Team Canada kicking off the tournament with a convincing 16-0 win over Latvia.

Exactly one year from today, USA Hockey and the Buffalo Sabres will be in the spotlight, playing host for the prestigious tournament in 2011.

Currently 22 Sabres players and prospects have participated in the IIHF World Junior Championship, including Mike Grier (USA) '95, Thomas Vanek (AUS) '04, Drew Stafford (USA) '04/05, Tyler Ennis (CAN) '09 and Tyler Myers (CAN) ’09.

The tournament is highly regarded as the top yearly tournament featuring hockey’s best U-20 players. It is an international showcase that provides the players a platform to show the world what they’re made of.

Sabres' rookie defenseman Tyler Myers recently discovered what it takes to play at such a high level, capturing Gold with Team Canada in the 2009 WJC.

"The biggest thing for me was going in with the mindset, keeping it simple and playing solid defense," Myers said. "I knew going into the tournament, I wasn’t expected to be an offensive guy. I knew my role and that was to shut down the other guy's top line. I just went in and didn't do too much than I had to and it really helped me in the long run."

Both of Buffalo's 2008 first-round draft picks, Tyler Ennis and Tyler Myers had exceptional games throughout the 2009 IIHF World Junior tournament. Ennis recorded seven points (3+4), while Myers posted one goal in seven games. The time that both players logged for Team Canada brought new-found confidence in their game.  

"I really felt like I developed as a player more than previous years and I started to figure out they way I could play and I put my mind to it that I was going to bring it to another level," Myers said.

This year it's up to Buffalo's 2008 second-round choice, Luke Adam to make a statement for Team Canada and follow in the footsteps of both Ennis and Myers.

Select 2010 IIHF World Junior Championship games will be televised by the NHL Network. Schedule is below. Fans can follow the new Buffalo World Juniors blog at buffaloworldjuniors.com throughout the 2010 tournament for news and updates.

Saturday, December 26
Latvia vs. Canada        4 p.m.
Czech Republic vs. Sweden    6 p.m.
Slovakia vs. USA        8 p.m.

Sunday, December 27
USA vs. Switzerland        4 p.m.
Czech Republic vs. Finland     6 p.m.

Monday, December 28
Canada vs. Switzerland    4 p.m.

Tuesday, December 29
Lativa vs. USA        4 p.m.
Sweden vs. Russia        6 p.m.
Canada vs. Slovakia        8 p.m.

Thursday, December 31
USA vs. Canada        8 p.m.

Saturday, January 2
Quarterfinal #1        5 p.m.
Quarterfinal #2         9 p.m.

Sunday, January 3
Semifinal #1            5 p.m.
Semifinal #2            9 p.m.

Tuesday, January 5
Bronze Medal Game        4 p.m.
Gold Medal Game        8 p.m.