The United States opens the hockey world championships Saturday against Denmark

The United States opens the hockey world championships Saturday against Denmark, which is returning to the tournament for the first time since 1949 -- when it lost to Canada 47-0. The United States, which finished seventh last year, will be without any of the stars that helped the Americans win the 2002 Olympic silver medal in Salt Lake City last year. Denmark, which earned a place in the 16-team tournament by winning the B pool last year, had a rough experience at the 1949 championships in Stockholm. The Danes gave up 13 goals to the Canadians in the first period, 16 in the second and 18 in the third. Every member of Canada's team scored at least three goals. Two days later, Denmark lost 25-1 to Austria, then lost to Belgium 8-3. In the three games, the Danes were outscored 80-3. The United States, lacking top NHL stars, is coming off a 4-2 loss to Finland in an exhibition game Wednesday. The tournament opens Saturday in Helsinki, Tampere and Turku, and the gold-medal game is May 11 in Helsinki.