HLINKA GRETZKY CUP 2025.

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DAY ONE!

CANADA V FINLAND

The opening day featured an exhilarating clash between Canada U18 and Finland U18, with Canada triumphing 5-3 in a fast-paced encounter. The action started early, as Edwards struck just 58 seconds into the first period, assisted by Preston  and Lin, giving Canada a quick lead. Verhoeff doubled the advantage at 8:55, with help from Belchetz and Lawrence. However, Finland responded with determination: Hemming pulled one back at 14:01, set up by Suvanto and Vanhatalo, and Laitinen found the equalizer with less than a minute left in the opening frame, thanks to assists from Wahlroos  and Kallio.

The second period was tightly contested. While an early goal by Ruck was disallowed after video review, Canada finally regained the lead at 19:52. Lin R. found the net, helped by Valentini and Belchetz, making it 3-2 going into the final period.

In the third period, Zhilkin extended the Canadian lead to 4-2 at 8:19, with Verhoeff providing the assist. Finland refused to give in, and Vanhatalo narrowed the gap at 16:15 with assistance from Laatikainen and Hemming. But with just seconds remaining, Belchetz sealed the win for Canada with an empty-net goal at 19:55, supported by Valentini and Verhoeff.

It was a thrilling start to the tournament, with standout performances across both teams and an impressive showcase of young talent on the ice.

GERMANY V SWEDEN

The day’s second matchup saw Sweden U18 deliver a commanding performance against Germany U18, cruising to a decisive 10-0 victory. Sweden’s offensive display began in the first period, as Isaksson opened the scoring at 8:47, assisted by Cilthe. Just under a minute later, Karlsson doubled the lead with help from Nordmark and Elofsson . Kim added another at 14:29, assisted by Isaksson and Holtet , before Nordmark capped off the first-period barrage at 15:45, with Bartholdsson and Gustafsson providing the setup.

The momentum carried into the second period, where Holmertz made it 5-0 at 10:52, with assists from Hermansson and Nordmark. Sweden’s relentless attack continued into the final frame. Early in the third, Hermansson, Bartholdsson, Holmertz ,Kim M , and Josbrant all found the back of the net, pushing the score to double digits. Key contributors included Meijer, Palme, Nicolaysen and Andersson , whose teamwork was on full display.

Sweden’s dominance was unquestionable, with multiple players contributing points and the team orchestrating a shutout performance. The result sets a high standard for the rest of their tournament campaign.

USA V SLOVAKIA

The final match of the day in group B featured Slovakia U18 taking on USA U18 in an intense, high-scoring affair. The teams traded goals early, with Varga putting the USA ahead at 4:21 in the first period, only for Ozogany to respond for Slovakia just 30 seconds later, leaving the opening frame knotted at 1-1.

The second period saw USA edge in front again as Harper capitalized on a power-play at 3:04, assisted by Zielinski and Klepov. Slovakia fought back tenaciously, and Ozogany struck once more at 18:01 to equalize, thanks to a set-up from Hybsky and Tariska. However, the Americans regained their lead with just 24 seconds left in the period when Zielinski made it 3-2, assisted by Hextall and Klepov.

The third period was packed with drama. USA extended their advantage at 9:27, but Slovakia refused to back down, as Ozogany completed his hat-trick on the power play at 18:20, making it 3-3. In the closing minutes, USA showcased their composure and offensive firepower, with Davidson reclaiming the lead, before Rogowski and Bogas each found the empty net, sealing a 6-3 victory for the American side.

The contest was a testament to the resilience and skill of both teams, but it was the USA's late surge that earned them a hard-fought win to close out an action-packed

opening day.

CZECHIA V SWITZERLAND

The final contest of the opening day in group A brought together Czech Republic U18 and Switzerland U18, with Czechia asserting their superiority in a dynamic 6-2 victory. The first period witnessed each side trade goals, Munger put Switzerland ahead at 7:12, assisted by Reist and Bachler, before Kamas equalized at 11:09 for Czechia, with help from Svancar and Tomek.

The balance shifted in the second period, as Czechia launched a torrid offensive, netting four unanswered goals. Belohorsky gave Czechia their first lead just 2:28 into the frame, set up by Svancar and Vanecek . Kachlir extended the margin at 8:18, with assists from Byrtus  and Huk. Byrtus  then converted at 10:22, thanks to Tomek and Kachlir, before Belohorsky struck again at 14:05, this time with Novak and Reisnecker providing support. Switzerland clawed one back at 14:56 through Moser, assisted by Munger, ending the second at 5-2.

In the third, Czechia sealed the win with a power-play goal by Kachlir at 9:20, assisted by Huk and Novak, capping an impressive team showing. Despite Switzerland’s efforts, including a missed penalty by Ripa, Czechia’s relentless pace and clinical finishing ensured their campaign began with a statement victory.