Canada downs Mountfield HK in Spengler Cup opener

Canada opened its Spengler Cup campaign with a 5-3 win over Mountfield HK on Tuesday, as David McIntyre's shorthanded marker in the third period pushed the Canadians to victory in Davos, Switzerland.

Canada, the two-time defending champion at the annual competition, also got goals from Victor Bartley, Curtis Hamilton, Mason Raymond, and P.A. Parenteau. Between the pipes, Barry Brust made 31 saves.

GAME OVER! opens the #SpenglerCup with a 5-3 win over @MountfieldHK. Statistics: https://t.co/ZHsVH2XaYe pic.twitter.com/lQSNcwqfto

- Team Canada Men (@HC_Men) December 26, 2017

Canada is back in action Thursday against tournament host HC Davos.

Following the NHL's decision not to participate in the 2018 Olympic Games in Pyeongchang, this year's edition of the Spengler Cup serves as a final opportunity for Olympic hopefuls to convince the Hockey Canada brass that they deserve a chance to feature in South Korea.

Canada will announce its Olympic roster in January.

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