Canada opened the ice hockey world championship with a 5-3 victory over Sweden in Fribourg. John Tavares scored first, followed by Ryan O'Reilly, Dylan Holloway, Connor Brown and Dylan Cozens. Goaltender Jet Greaves made 22 saves to secure the win for Canada.

Canada's victory came after Sweden, last year's bronze medalist, tied the game at 3-3 in the second period. The Swedish squad found their rhythm with goals from Jacob Larsson and Lucas Raymond before Canada pulled away in the final frame with Brown's early third-period goal.

Sidney Crosby, added to the roster after Pittsburgh's playoff exit, served as alternate captain alongside team captain Macklin Celebrini. Canada aims to rebound from fifth place last year and add to their 28 titles, their most recent championship coming three years ago. The defending champion United States faced host Switzerland later in the day.