Hockey Canada confirmed the opening date of the event as the full tournament schedule was confirmed.

The date marks a return to the traditional schedule of the tournament, with last year’s event having unusually began on Christmas Day.

The opening day of the event will open with a match between Finland and Germany in Group A at Rogers Place in Edmonton.

Hosts Canada will face the Czech Republic at the same venue later in the day.

Group B matches will be held at Westerner Park Centrium in Red Deer.

Russia and Sweden meet in the opening match at the venue, with the United States beginning their campaign against Slovakia.

"The World Juniors is a marquee event for Canadian hockey fans, and the unveiling of the schedule is a sign of how close the event is to getting underway in Edmonton and Red Deer this holiday season," said Riley Wiwchar, tournament executive director.

"We look forward to bringing the World Juniors to both communities while showcasing some of the best international hockey to fans, both locally in these two communities, as well as across the country and around the world."

A total of 31 games will be played in Edmonton and Red Deer, with the tournament running from December 26 to January 5.

Group A features Canada, Austria, the Czech Republic, Finland and Germany, while Group B is comprised of Russia, Switzerland, Slovakia, Sweden and the United States.

Group matches will take place until December 31.

Quarter-finals will be held on January 2, with the semi-finals taking place two days later in Edmonton.

The gold and bronze-medal matches will be held in Edmonton on January 4.

The US are the reigning champions after beating Canada in last year’s final.