Knockout stage of Hlinka Gretzky Cup 2025.

USA AND SWEDEN GO INTO THE FINAL ROUND OF THE TOURNAMENT. WHO WILL BE VICTORIOUS?

Slovakia v Czechia.

What an afternoon in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup knockout stage! On August 15, 2025, all eyes were on the ice as the Czech Republic U18 squad clashed with their long-time rivals, Slovakia U18, in a winner-takes-all showdown. With the puck dropping at 14:30, fans packed the arena and tuned in worldwide, eager to witness the next generation of hockey stars write the latest chapter in this storied rivalry.

The opening period saw Czech Republic strike quickly. At just 1:47, Svancar opened the scoring, converting a beautiful feed from Tomanek and Byrtus. Near the end of the first, at 18:33, Kamas doubled the lead with an assist from Ripa, sending the Czech side into the break with confidence.

Early in the second period, Slovakia found hope as Ozogany capitalized on a power play, scoring at 5:19 with help from Bernat and Goljer. However, Czechia responded with precision. At 12:15, Tomek sniped one in on the power play, assisted by Novak and Sklenicka, restoring a two-goal advantage.

The third period showcased Czech Republic’s offensive depth. Maxa hammered home a power-play goal at 8:01, orchestrated by Vanecek and Tomanek, increasing the pressure on Slovakia. Just a few minutes later, at 12:44, Kamas notched his second of the game—this time assisted by Kachlir and Novak—effectively putting the game out of reach. Slovakia added one more to the scoreboard at 14:44, as Lukacik converted with help from Rausa and Bernat, but the result was already decided.

Power play opportunities were the story of the game, with Czech Republic making the most of their chances and finding the net multiple times with the man advantage. Kamas led the charge with two goals, while Svancar, Tomek, and Maxa each contributed to the scoring effort. For Slovakia, Ozogany and Lukacik managed to break through, but ultimately their team struggled to match the pace and relentless attack of the Czechs.

Stay tuned for more updates, interviews, and analysis as the Hlinka Gretzky Cup continues to showcase the brightest young talents in international hockey!

Switzerland v Germany 

The action continued in the knockout round as Switzerland U18 faced Germany U18, delivering another thrilling contest on August 15, 2025, with the puck dropping at 14:30. Switzerland, fresh from a confident campaign, looked to carry their momentum against a determined German side.

From the opening period, Switzerland set the tone. At 7:00, Rentsch broke the deadlock, with Munger providing the crucial assist. The Swiss doubled their lead just minutes later at 9:07, as Troxler found the back of the net, courtesy of Bachler and Bouvard. The energy in the arena was palpable as Switzerland took a 2–0 lead into the first intermission.

Early in the second period, Switzerland continued their relentless push. Bouvard struck at just 28 seconds, widening the gap to 3–0. Germany, however, refused to fold. At 10:36, Wolfsteiner answered back, assisted by Kuhn and Becker, injecting hope into the German camp. That hope grew when Becker himself scored at 17:47, with Michel and Schwarz providing support, trimming Switzerland’s lead to 3–2 as the teams headed into the final frame.

The third period belonged to Switzerland, who put the game out of reach with two goals in the dying moments. Rentsch added his second of the afternoon at 19:24, with Munger and Fuhrer setting up the play for a crucial insurance marker. Just 31 seconds later, Fueter sealed Switzerland’s triumph, finishing another well-orchestrated attack with Bouvard and Fuhrer notching assists at 19:55. The final whistle confirmed a commanding 5–2 victory for Switzerland, capping off a display of skill, teamwork, and timely execution.

The match was highlighted by Switzerland’s early offensive surge and their ability to respond decisively in the final minutes. Rentsch stood out with two goals, while Bouvard contributed both on the scoresheet and as a playmaker. Germany’s spirited comeback in the second period showcased their resilience, but ultimately Switzerland’s depth and composure prevailed.

Sweden v Finland

The clash between Sweden U18 and Finland U18 turned into an unforgettable hockey thriller. Played on August 15, 2025, with puck drop at 18:00, the match ended 6–5 in favour of Sweden after overtime.

Sweden took the lead early in the first period, with Nordmark netting the opening goal at 4:24, assisted by Palme and Andersson. Finland quickly responded in the second period—Suvanto tied the game at 1–1 at 2:32. Sweden answered right back, with Elofsson regaining the lead at 4:45, set up by Andersson.

The third period was a scoring frenzy. Finland stormed ahead, turning a 2–2 tie into a 5–2 advantage within the first nine minutes, thanks to goals from Vanhatalo, Hemming, Arkko, and Alalauri. However, Sweden refused to back down. Elofsson narrowed the gap to 3–5 on a power play assisted by Hermansson and Holmertz at 9:13. Meijer then brought Sweden closer with another power play goal at 13:17, and with just over two minutes remaining, Nordmark completed the comeback with the tying goal, thanks to assists from Elofsson and Gustafsson.

In overtime, Nordmark became the hero, completing his hat trick at 2:27 with help from Elofsson and Holmertz. Sweden claimed a dramatic 6–5 victory after overcoming a three-goal deficit in the final period.

In summary, Sweden and Finland delivered a fast-paced, back-and-forth contest full of young hockey talent. Sweden’s resilience and Nordmark’s clutch performance ultimately secured them the win. Stay tuned for more exciting coverage from the Hlinka Gretzky Cup as the next generation of hockey stars continues to shine!

USA v Canada 

The final matchup of the evening saw USA U18 and Canada U18 lock horns in a dramatic confrontation that kept fans on edge until the very last moment. Played on August 15, 2025, with puck drop at 18:00, this contest was a showcase of skill, intensity, and sheer willpower, culminating in a 4–3 victory for USA after penalties.

Canada, determined to stamp their authority early, entered the contest with energy and precision. Yet it was the Americans who drew first blood in the opening frame. Davidson found the net at 5:14, capitalising on a power-play opportunity orchestrated by Zielinski and McLaughlin, giving USA a 1–0 lead heading into the second period.

The second period unfolded with both sides trading blows. Mere seconds after the restart, Canada struck back—Belchetz levelled the score at 00:34, set up by Carels and Zhilkin, igniting hopes in the Canadian camp. The momentum swung again at 8:32, when Puchner, assisted by Rogowski and Penner, restored USA’s lead at 2–1. Not to be outdone, Zielinski converted another power play at 18:58, with Hextall providing support, stretching USA’s advantage to 3–1 as they entered the final third.

Canada, refusing to surrender, surged in the final period. Lawrence narrowed the gap at 3:00 with a crucial power-play goal, assisted by Lin, pulling Canada within striking distance at 2–3. The tension escalated as the clock ticked down, and at 14:55, Preston, again with help from Lin, tied the game at 3–3. Regulation time ended with the teams deadlocked, and neither side could break through in a tense overtime sequence.

The match proceeded to penalties, where nerves and precision were put to the ultimate test. Zhilkin and Lawrence missed their opening penalty attempts for Canada, as Salandra and Klepov successfully converted for the USA. Preston managed to score for Canada, while Zielinski matched him for the Americans. In the final decisive moments, Ruck’s missed penalty sealed Canada’s fate, handing USA U18 a hard-fought victory with a 4–3 scoreline after penalties.

This fiercely contested duel highlighted the resilience and talent of both squads. Davidson and Zielinski shone for the USA, with timely goals and crucial assists, while Canada’s comeback efforts were spearheaded by Lawrence, Preston, and Lin. Ultimately, USA’s composure in the shootout set them apart, securing a dramatic triumph to round out an evening of top-tier international youth hockey at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

Stay tuned to find out who will become the Hlinka Gretzky Cup 2025. The final gets underway at 1600 GMT the same time as the bronze medal match.