Oilers defenceman Taylor Chorney will make his World Championship debut in front of over 76,000 fans as Team USA takes on Germany today. (Getty Images)

It's been nearly a month since the Oilers took to the ice in front of fans and against foes, but for a handful of players and prospects, the drought comes to an end this weekend in Germany.

The first game of the 2010 Men's World Hockey Championship starts today at 12:15 MT, and the host country is going all-out: over 76,000 fans are expected to pack the Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen, the stunning home of soccer club Schalke 04.

If the numbers hold true, the game between Team USA and Germany will set the new record for highest attendance at a hockey game, eclipsing the previous record of 74,554 set in 2001 by Michigan State and the University of Michigan.

To put today's game in perspective for Oilers fans, the spectacle will entertain nearly 20,000 more fans than 2003's Heritage Classic held in Edmonton. In addition to attendance, Germany will also have the edge in temperature: Gelsenkirchen will be about 7 degrees Celcius at puck drop, while Edmonton was a cozy -20 on that memorable November day.

Among the players participating in today's opener are Oilers Taylor Chorney and Ryan Potulny, who will both make their World Championship debut.

While enroute to the game with Team Canada GM Mark Messier, Oilers President of Hockey Operations Kevin Lowe said that he's looking forward to witnessing the historic game and is excited for the young Oilers participating.

"In Hanover in 2001, the last time the Championships took place in Germany, I came over as part of the 2002 Olympic management team. That was my first experience with German sports fans. They love to sing! I can't imagine what 76,000 singing fans will sound like.

"What a great way for Taylor and Ryan to start their Men's Worlds experience," Lowe continued. "Playing in this tournament is extra special as it is, but being a part of this game will be a highlight in their careers."

Canada faces its first test of the tournament against Italy Saturday, and team alternate Jordan Eberle will hope to crack the roster.

Two other Oilers prospects should play a big role on Team Sweden: Linus Omark, who was recently signed several weeks ago, will play for his country. Also playing is 18-year-old Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson, who had a very strong World Junior Hockey Championships and looks to follow that up with a key role on Sweden's national team.

Visit edmontonoilers.com regularly throughout the two-week tournament for updates on the Oilers in Germany.


ROUND ROBIN SCHEDULE & RESULTS
(all times mountain)

Friday, May 7:

Germany 2 - USA 1 OT
Gamesheet | Recap | Photos | Highlights

Saturday, May 8:

Canada vs. Italy - 8:15 a.m.
Gamesheet | Recap | Photos  | Highlights

Sunday, May 9:

Sweden vs. Norway - 12:15 p.m.
Gamesheet | Recap | Photos | Highlights

Monday, May 10:

USA vs. Denmark - 8:15 a.m.
Gamesheet | Recap | Photos | Highlights

Canada vs. Latvia - 12:15 p.m.
Gamesheet | Recap | Photos | Highlights

Tuesday, May 11:

Sweden vs. France - 12:15 p.m.
Gamesheet | Recap | Photos | Highlights

Wednesday, May 12:

USA vs. Finland - 12:15 p.m.
Gamesheet | Recap | Photos | Highlights

Canada vs. Switzerland - 12:15 p.m.
Gamesheet | Recap | Photos | Highlights

Thursday, May 13:

Sweden vs. Czech Republic - 12:15 p.m.
Gamesheet | Recap | Photos | Highlights

======END OF ROUND ROBIN======

• READ OUR ARCHIVED WORLD JUNIOR HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIPS SECTION
• READ OUR ARCHIVED 2010 VANCOUVER OLYMPICS SECTION

MORE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS NEWS & MULTIMEDIA

• April 29: Eberle "on" this off-season
• April 27: From Minnesota to Mannheim: Chorney & Potulny
• April 16: Eberle gets a shot at World Championships roster spot
• April 15: Potulny & Chorney named to Team USA
• Read more on the World Championships