Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament: USA Opens up against Finland, Canada goes with all major junior roster

The Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament begins Saturday in Braclav, Czech Republic where the Americans will look to bounce back from a tough showing at the 2012 event. The red, white and blue finished seventh at last year's tournament.

In the beginning of July, USA Hockey announced its roster for the Under-18 Select team, the group who will represent the United States in the Czech Republic. There are many college bound players who will be at the event, including some already committed players and some recruits who are still on the open market. North Dakota leads the way with three verbally committed players on the squad, including defenseman Ryan Mantha and forwards Austin Poganski and Nick Schmaltz.

Former University of Maine associate head coach Bob Corkum will coach the American team. Corkum, recently hired by the New York Islanders to work in their player development department, played in 720 NHL games.

Team Canada announced its roster for the event, a squad that will be void of any college recruits. Each player on the Canadian roster plays for a major junior team. North Dakota recruit Ryan Gropp was at the tryout camp, but was not named to the team.

The United States will officially open up the tournament against Finland next Monday, August 5.

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Jeff Cox is a hockey reporter for SBNation. Follow Jeff on twitter @JeffCoxSBNation.