[sureLoss]

After Canada had a pretty easy time handling Belarus 7-1, they face a stronger Czech republic team Sunday morning.

The Czechs have notable players with pedigree:

Goalies:
Vítek Vaněček (South Carolina, ECHL) - 2014 2nd round pick Capitals
Daniel Vladař (Chicago, USHL) - 2015 3rd round pick Bruins
Aleš Stezka (Sioux Falls, USHL). - 2015 4th round pick Wild

Defence:
Jakub Zbořil (Saint John, QMJHL) - 2015 1st round pick Bruins
Dominik Mašín (Peterborough, OHL) - 2014 2nd round pick Lightning
Filip Hronek (Mountfield HK) - potential 2016 2nd or 3rd round pick by Central Scouting

Forwards:
Pavel Zacha (Sarnia, OHL) - 2015 1st round pick Devils
Michael Špaček (Red Deer, WHL) - 2015 4th round pick Jets
Šimon Stránský (Prince Albert, WHL) - potential 2016 1st round pick by Central Scouting
Tomáš Šoustal (Kelowna, WHL) - attended Flames 2015 development camp
Filip Chlapík (Charlottetown, QMJHL) - 2015 2nd round pick Senators
David Kaše - 2015 5th round pick Flyers
Lukáš Jašek - 2015 6th round pick Canucks
David Pastrnak - 2014 1st round pick Bruins (Bruins still deciding if he will be released for the tournament)

Needless to say the Czechs are much more formidable on paper than Belarus.

The Czechs still have to cut 3 players before the tournament begins while Canada will need to cut 2 forwards and 2 d-men.

At this point in time it is unknown who the Czechs and Canada will ice for this game. Unknown if Hickey or McDonald will play.

Expect Point and Crouse NOT to dress for this game as both got a little banged up against Belarus. Reports are nothing serious but Team Canada is still in evaluation mode. Do expect Merkley, Barzal, Hawrlyuk, and Sanhiem to dress against the Czechs as they were all healthy scratched against Belarus.

Many are expecting Canada to announce the final cuts after this game, and dress their final roster in the final pre-tourney game against Sweden this Wednesday.