The Final Day – HLINKA GRETZKY CUP 2025

Gold Medal Day at The Hlinka Gretzky Cup 2025.

The Final Day – HLINKA GRETZKY CUP 2025

In what has been a very exciting week of under 18s Hlinka Gretzky Cup 2025, we have seen a glimpse into what the future has to offer. Players such as Ozogany, Zielinski, DuPont, Varga, Klepov, Nordmark, Elofsson and the Ruck brothers proving to be standout performers as this years tournament has progressed.

Each player who has showcased their skills and talents throughout the tournament should hold their heads high and show what a credit they are to their teams and clubs back home. It shows how much work the coaches and club officials put into developing these young men into draft prospects. With the end goal of making it to the show.

USA V SWEDEN – GOLD MEDAL GAME.

The stage was set for a thrilling gold medal showdown as USA U18 faced off against Sweden U18. The match lived up to expectations, delivering end-to-end action and high drama worthy of the tournament finale.

USA seized the victory with a 5-3 triumph, but not before Sweden struck first. Just ten seconds into the opening period, Hermansson found the net, assisted by Meijer and Elofsson, sending Swedish fans into celebration. The Americans answered swiftly through Harper, with Salandra providing the setup at 2:53. Davidson then gave USA their first lead on a power-play at 3:57, with help from Hextall and McLaughlin. Sweden regrouped and responded as Zirath tied the game at 6:28, assisted by Knights and Bartholdsson. Late in the period, Hextall restored the American advantage on another power-play, assisted by Zielinski and Klepov, making it 3-2 for USA after a frenetic first frame.

The second period saw both squads trade goals in another display of offensive prowess. Klepov extended USA’s lead to 4-2 on the power-play at just 45 seconds, after a combination play with Davidson and Hextall. Sweden fought back, narrowing the gap as Hermansson netted his second of the night, again on the power-play at 17:58 with assists from Holmertz and Meijer. Heading into the final period, the score stood at 4-3, with momentum teetering between these young star-studded teams.

Defence dominated most of the third, with both goaltenders making crucial saves and penalty killers rising under pressure. With less than three minutes remaining, the Americans sealed the win: Bogas scored a decisive power-play goal at 17:34, assisted by Harper and Puchner, stretching the USA lead to 5-3. Despite Sweden’s relentless pushes and late efforts, the USA maintained composure, ultimately capturing the gold medal in a contest marked by skill, resilience, and tactical precision.

The tournament concluded with USA crowned champions, while Sweden earned a hard-fought silver—both teams having showcased the exciting future of international hockey.

CANADA V FINLAND – BRONZE MEDAL GAME.

In the battle for bronze, Canada U18 faced Finland U18 in a match that displayed discipline, teamwork, and rising talent. The Canadians emerged victorious with a convincing 3-0 win, sealing their place on the podium.

The first period set the tone early when Williams broke the deadlock at 05:27, finishing off a smart play assisted by Fitzgerald and Rudolph. Both teams tightened up defensively for the remainder of the period, with Canada maintaining their narrow lead.

The intensity heightened in the second period, and Canada capitalized on a power-play opportunity. At 14:44, Belchetz doubled the advantage, finding the net with help from DuPont and Verhoeff. Finland struggled to break through Canada’s organized defence, while the Canadian squad continued to press for opportunities.

Finland pulled their goalie late in the third in hopes of a comeback, but Canada’s composure prevailed. At 17:46, Rudolph scored an empty net goal, assisted by Preston, cementing the 3-0 result. Throughout the match, Canada’s lineup demonstrated strategic play and resilience, while Finland pressed until the final whistle.

With this win, Canada U18 claimed the bronze medal, and the performance reflected the depth and promise within their ranks—each goal an example of skill and teamwork, each period a testament to their determination on the international stage.