Canada's Men's Olympic hockey team got off to a slow start at the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, Utah, falling 5-2 to Sweden on Friday night.

Colorado Avalanche defenceman Rob Blake opened the scoring at the 2:37 mark of the first period, blasting a slap shot past Swedish goaltender Tommy Salo. Michael Peca and Theoren Fleury assisted on Canada's first goal of the 2002 games.

Sweden's Mats Sundin later tied the score on a breakaway and both teams went into the dressing room tied at one.

Sweden came out flying in the second period, scoring four straight goals, including Sundin's second of the night. Sweden took a 5-1 lead into the third period.

Canada scored with just under five minutes left in the game as Eric Brewer made a great individual rush and lifted the puck over Salo's shoulder to put the Canadians within three.

Canada appeared to score again shortly after Brewer's goal but it was waved off as Peca was caught in the crease, interfering with Salo.

Canada falls to 0-1 and will have Saturday off before hitting the ice against Germany on Sunday at the Peaks Ice Arena in Provo, Utah.

Of note, 10 members of Canada's 23-man roster made their Olympic debuts tonight vs. Sweden.