The world junior championship is the driving force behind Ottawa's biggest New Year's Eve bash on the Rideau Canal at Rideau Steet, with more than 10,000 people expected to brave the cold.

The Canada-U.S.A. game will be broadcast on two large screens starting at 7:30 p.m.

At 10 p.m., the Amanda Rheaume Band hits the stage. They're followed by the award-winning Finger Eleven at 11 p.m.

At midnight, the canal will light up with an eight-minute pyrotechnic show before Finger Eleven returns for another set.

"This is an opportunity for the capital to come together and say 'Go Canada Go, we want the gold'," said Guy Laflamme of the National Capital Commission.

But of course, there's the weather to consider. Not even a midnight kiss will disguise the expected -25 C wind chill.

Precautions include wearing hats, scarves that cover the chin, lips, and cheeks, gloves or mittens, and layered clothing.

The Ottawa Paramedic Service is also warning that drink and cold temperatures don't mix well, since alcohol can numb the senses that tell you your body temperature is dropping.

"Often you're not aware of the fact that you are getting too hypothermic, (and) you might not shiver as much," said paramedic Andrew Fenton.

But the thousands of people who normally rely on free buses for New Year's Eve transportation are looking for alternatives - or staying home.

Taxi owners are warning customers to call at least 1.5 to two hours ahead of time, and to try and share rides with friends.

With reports from CTV Ottawa's Jonathan Rotondo, Maggie Padlewska, and John Hua