The 2017 World Championship begins Friday in Cologne, Germany and Paris, France. The Chicago Blackhawks will have five players competing: Michal Kempny (Czech Republic), Marcus Kruger (Sweden), Artemi Panarin (Russia) and Nick Schmaltz and Trevor van Riemsdyk (United States).
In Hawks prospect news, Alex DeBrincat had one shot in the Erie Otters’ 2-1 win in Game 1 of the OHL Championship Series on Thursday. Game 2 is Sunday in Erie.
Matthew Highmore and Nathan Noel will suit up for Saint John in Game 1 of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League Final on Friday.
**2017 World Championship preview: Hawks edition (SCH)
**Hawks sign Kampf to 2-year ELC (SCH)
**With Blues' lack of scoring, line changes are coming (St.