DAY TWO OF THE HLINKA GRETZKY CUP 2025.

COULD MORE UPSETS BE ON THE HORIZON?

SWEDEN V USA

In an electrifying clash between Sweden U18 and USA U18, the Swedes rallied from an early deficit to triumph 5-3 in a match packed with momentum shifts. The Americans struck first, with Gordon-Carroll opening the scoring just under two minutes into the game, and Harper extending the lead late in the first period on the power play. At the first intermission, Sweden trailed 0-2.

The second period saw a resurgence from Sweden: Nordmark got the hosts on the board with a power-play goal, but USA quickly responded with Zielinski restoring the two-goal cushion. Refusing to back down, Meijer narrowed the gap before the period ended, making it 2-3 heading into the final frame.

The third period belonged entirely to Sweden. Gustafsson equalised less than seven minutes in, and just 29 seconds later, Kim slotted home the go-ahead goal, shifting the momentum decisively. Hermansson then sealed the victory with a power-play goal, completing Sweden’s comeback and sending the home crowd into celebration. With special teams playing a crucial role and contributions from up and down the lineup, Sweden U18 emerged victorious in a thrilling contest that showcased the drama and unpredictability of the Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

SWITZERLAND V CANADA

In what started of as stalemate first period, soon erupted into a one-sided affair at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup 2025, Canada U18 delivered a masterclass in offensive hockey, overpowering Switzerland U18 with a resounding 9-1 victory. The opening frame was a tightly contested affair, with both teams trading chances but neither able to break the deadlock. Goaltenders stood tall, and the scoreboard read 0-0 at the first intermission.

The floodgates opened early in the second period. Just eight seconds in, Zhilkin capitalised on a power play, slotting home the first goal for Canada with assists from Belchetz and DuPont. The Canadians’ relentless pressure set the tone for what was to come.

The third period saw an offensive explosion from Canada, who netted eight goals in a span that left Switzerland reeling. Preston struck first at 6:18, doubling the lead with help from Ruck and Ruck. Merely 20 seconds later, Zhilkin added his second of the afternoon, assisted by Mbuyi and Lawrence, pushing the score to 3-0. The Canadian attack was relentless—Valentini, Rousseau, Preston, and others contributed as the goal tally climbed rapidly.

Switzerland managed a brief respite at 13:14 when Bouvard found the net, assisted by Berger and Lutz, making it 5-1, but Canada responded less than a minute later. Preston completed his hat trick at 13:59 on a setup from Ruck, stamping his authority on the game. Valentini and Belchetz piled on two more, before Lin, with a late goal assisted by Rousseau, capped the scoring at 9-1.

With a dazzling display of skill, depth, and special teams execution, Canada U18 showcased why they are perennial favourites in this competition. Multiple players registered multi-point performances, and the Canadian bench erupted with each emphatic goal.

Switzerland, despite flashes of resilience, could not match the firepower and tempo brought by their North American opponents, who now surge forward in the tournament with tremendous confidence.

FINLAND V CZECHIA

In the final game of the day, Finland U18 squared off against Czechia U18 in a tightly contested battle that ultimately tipped in favour of the Finns, who secured a 4-1 triumph. The opening period was a defensive showcase, with both teams probing for weaknesses but neither able to capitalise, leaving the score deadlocked at 0-0 after twenty minutes.

The tide turned in the second period, as Finland’s special teams took command. Hemming broke the stalemate at 4:59 on the power play, finishing off a setup by Laatikainen and Suvanto. Finland continued to press their advantage, and just past the halfway mark of the frame, Arkko netted another power-play goal with Kallio and Alalauri providing the assists, giving Finland a 2-0 cushion heading into the final period.

Czechia struck back midway through the third when Tomek, assisted by Trefny, halved the deficit and reignited hope among the home fans. However, Finland responded with composure and precision: Suvanto restored the two-goal lead at 15:20, assisted by Suominen, before Arkko sealed the result with an empty-netter at 16:19, his second goal of the night.

With disciplined play, clinical special teams, and timely scoring, Finland U18 emerged victorious, capping an action-packed day at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

GERMANY V SLOVAKIA

On 12 August 2025 at 18:00 UTC, the Slovakia U18 and Germany U18 teams clashed in a tightly contested match during the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Both teams entered the game with aspirations of advancing in the tournament, bringing disciplined defence, physical intensity, and tactical awareness to the ice.

The game one heroics from Oliver Ozogany could not be matched today but the player is sure to be on the lists of a NHL scouts.

Ultimately, Slovakia prevailed with a narrow 1-0 victory, sealed by a late third-period goal, in a contest that highlighted the razor-thin margins of elite youth hockey.