[View the story "CAN vs. USA: a very early morning hockey rivalry" on Storify]

CAN vs. USA: a very early morning hockey rivalry

Storified by Maclean's Magazine· Wed, Jan 02 2013 18:50:33

Canada's world junior hockey team has some of the most dedicated fans, many of whom have travelled to Ufa, Russia, to watch the boys play in the World Junior Hockey Championship. After going undefeated in the round-robin, Canada will have a familiar foe in Thursday's semi-finals: the United States.

Canada vs USA in the a.m #semis #GoCanadaGo #OurGame http://pic.twitter.com/83dsfUTCBrandon Harrison

And the winner will face either Sweden or Russia for the gold medal.

Big rematch coming up... #WJC #USA #Canada #BeautyStatus http://pic.twitter.com/A95PuDUVBeauty Status

With so little hockey currently on TV—and Canada's incredible support for junior hockey—fans at home have a serious dilemma: Wake up really early to watch the game, or forgo sleeping until the early hours of the morning?

Canada vs USA in ice Hockey in the very early hours of the morning. Winner goes to the Gold medal game. Don't like this time difference.Phen0menalOne

Canada vs USA semifinal at 1 a.m. tonight/Thurs morning. Wonder if my editor @Lapinbun will let me take a nap at work.Hosea Cheung

Canada VS. USA at 1 AM tonight and I have first day of school tomorrow morning #hockeyfanproblemsVanessa G.

Set your alarms, tomorrow's Canada vs. USA semi-final is at 3:00 AM! #2013WJCWinnipeg Jets

Gonna try to fake sick so I don't have to go to school then set my alarm for 4 am to watch Canada Vs USA in the semis of the WJC #DedicationJLow 2.0

Ummm USA vs Canada junior world hockey championship at 4am. #notsleepingZach Keller

Alarm set. #CanadaVsUSA #TeamCanada http://pic.twitter.com/HuGDYDvDhayley sloanes

Actually debating pulling an allnighter for the 4:30am USA vs. Canada game #whosdownJustin

Who's ready to wake up bright and early tomorrow to watch Canada/USA semi-finals? 5am bring it on #worldjuniors #wjc2013 #TheReasonRyan Dwyer

Canada will be lead by their captain—and the tournament's current leading scorer—Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. "The Nuge" had a breakout season last year with the Edmonton Oilers and he is able to suit up for Team Canada thanks to the NHL lockout.

Can't wait to watch the game tonight!! It's gonna be nuts!!! #Nuuuuuuuge #WJC http://pic.twitter.com/2EAGTQwyMadison Zayak

Canada won the round-robin match-up a few days ago against the U.S. 2-1, but this game will carry a lot more weight with the winner going to the gold-medal final.

What's your prediction for tonight's #WJHC2013 semi-final between Canada and USA? The picture shows my thoughts. - Matt http://pic.twitter.com/Y92uHbprMountain FM

How long until the REAL gold medal game between Canada and the USA starts? #2013WJCRichard Cloutier

If you sleep through your alarm, you just might miss it.

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