MADISON, Wis. — The 2019 International Ice Hockey Federation Under-18 Men's World Championships began Thursday, and four incoming Badgers are set to skate in the tournament.

Forwards Cole Caufield, Owen Lindmark and Alex Turcotte will don the Stars and Stripes for the U.S. squad, while winger Dylan Holloway will represent Team Canada.

This year's tournament is being held at Fjallraven Center in Ornskoldsvik and Umea, Sweden.

The U.S. opened preliminary play against host-team Sweden, defeating the Swedes 6-1. Caufield tallied a hat trick in the victory, while Turcotte also chipped in a goal. 

Team Canada defeated Finland, 5-3, in its first game of the tournament. Holloway tallied an assist in the win. 

Holloway and the Canadians hope to win their first gold medal since the 2013 tournament, and their eighth medal since taking third at the 2015 championships.

The Americans are looking for their 11th gold medal in the event after winning its tournament record 10th title in the 2017 with a 4-2 victory over Finland.

The U.S. boasts 16 medals total in the tournament. The latest came last year when UW defensemen Ty Emberson and K'Andre Miller helped the Americans to a silver medal at the 2018 World Championships.

All games for Team USA at the 2019 IIHF Under-18 World Championship will air live on NHL Network. All Team Canada games will be broadcast live on TSN.