FINAL GROUP STANDINGS AND REVIEWS.

A LOOK TOWARDS THE KNOCKOUT ROUNDS OF THE 2025 HLKINKA GRETZKY CUP.

Well, that’s it for the group stage at the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup! The ice has settled, and what a show it’s been. We’ve seen wild goals, new hockey stars in the making, and some wild swings in momentum. Now, the standings are locked and the playoff race is about to get real. Let’s take a relaxed look at who’s moving on, who’s got work left, and the biggest stories from both groups.

Group A:

Here’s how the final table for Group A shakes out:

Rank	Team	GP	W	OTW	OTL	L	GF:GA	Points	Results
1	Canada U18	3	3	0	0	0	19:4	9	W W W
2	Finland U18	3	1	0	1	1	10:10	4	L W L
3	Czech Republic U18	3	1	0	0	2	7:11	3	L L W
4	Switzerland U18	3	0	1	0	2	7:18	2	W L L

Canada U18: What can you say? Canada showed up and showed off—three games, three wins, and barely a sweat broken. With a gigantic 19:4 goal difference, they’re rolling into the semis as the clear team to beat. Ruck L. bagged a couple in one game, and teammates like Edwards, Rudolph, and Di Iorio all chipped in. Defense and goaltending? Rock solid. If you’re picking favourites, it’s hard not to pick the maple leaf right now.

Finland U18: Finland had moments of magic and some not-so-magical stretches. One win, one OT loss, and one regular loss—a mixed bag. They scored and gave up exactly ten goals, so things could go either way for them in the next round, depending on how the tie-breakers fall compared to other groups.

Czech Republic U18: The Czechs had flashes of good play, especially in net, but struggled for scoring outside their final win. That put them third, not quite enough for the semis, but still a shot at a decent finish.

Switzerland U18: Switzerland’s one win came in OT, but a couple of losses and a tough time stopping goals means they’ll be fighting for the best spot they can get in the placement games.

Now for Group B’s final standings:

Rank	Team	GP	W	OTW	OTL	L	GF:GA	Points	Results
1	Sweden U18	3	3	0	0	0	22:3	9	W W W
2	USA U18	3	2	0	0	1	17:9	6	W L W
3	Slovakia U18	3	1	0	0	2	4:13	3	L W L
4	Germany U18	3	0	0	0	3	1:19	0	L L L

Sweden U18: Sweden didn’t just win; they ran up the score for fun—22 goals for, just 3 against. They’re a scoring machine and their defense is just as tight. The rest of the field has been put on notice: Sweden means business.

USA U18: The Americans played a solid group stage, only dropping one game (to Sweden, no less). Seventeen goals and a strong finish means they’re headed to the semis, with a shot to go all the way if they keep scoring like this.

Slovakia U18: Up and down for Slovakia—one win, two losses, and only four goals scored. Some bright moments, but not enough to challenge the group’s big two.

Germany U18: Tough group for Germany. No wins, just one goal to their name, and lots to learn heading into the placement games.

Canada and Sweden look unstoppable—both remain undefeated, boasting impressive goal differences and consistently performing a cut above the competition. Meanwhile, USA and Finland could surprise everyone; if they find their rhythm at the right moment, an upset or two in the semi-finals is certainly possible. Switzerland and Germany are still searching for goals after tough group stages, but the classification round offers a fresh chance to make an impact. Across the tournament, stars are beginning to emerge, with Ruck L., Edwards, and Rudolph standing out for Canada, while Sweden showcases a deep squad that impresses game after game.

With the group stage in the books, it’s time for the real drama. Who’s going to step up? Who’s writing their story in this year’s Hlinka-Gretzky Cup?

Stay tuned the best is yet to come, as these bright young prospects are just getting started!