The pre-tournament games of the 2019 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge hit southwest Saskatchewan and a pair of Alberta cities last night.

At the Innovation Credit Union iPlex in Swift Current, Canada White carried a shutout through 40 minutes, but fell 4-2 to Russia.

At the Crescent Point Wickenheiser Centre in Shaunavon, Canada Black edged Finland 2-1.

Fans packed the rink in Shaunavon last night (submitted photo)

Brooks, AB hosted a 6-1 win for Sweden over Czech Republic, while Medicine Hat was home to a thrilling 7-6 shootout win for the Americans over Canada Red.

The tournament gets underway Saturday night in Swift Current and Medicine Hat.