HALIFAX, Nova Scotia (AP) – Dany Heatley had three goals and an assist to help defending champion Canada beat Slovenia 5-1 on Friday in the Canadians’ opening preliminary round game in the world hockey championship.

Heatley has 23 goals in the world championships, the most by a Canadian player. The Ottawa Senators star broke the mark of 21 set by Marcel Dionne.

Dan Hamhuis and Martin St. Louis also scored for Canada. Cam Ward made 20 saves, allowing only Anze Kopitar’s goal on a 5-on-3 power play.

The Canadians had a 65-22 shots advantage.

In the other Group B opener in Halifax, the United States faced Latvia in a night game. In Group D play in Quebec City, the Czech Republic beat Denmark 5-2, and Russia faced Italy in a night game.

The tournament is being played in Canada for the first time.

AP-ES-05-02-08 2100EDT