UNDER 18’S Hlinka Gretzky Cup 2025: Group Stages, Schedule & History

The Premier Showcase of Junior Ice Hockey Talent

Every summer, the world’s brightest young ice hockey stars gather to compete in the Under 18’s Hlinka Gretzky Cup, one of the most prestigious tournaments in international junior hockey. The 2025 edition promises to deliver thrilling group stage matchups and a chance to witness the next generation of elite hockey players as they begin their journey to stardom.

The Hlinka Gretzky Cup traditionally brings together eight of the top ice hockey nations, split into two dynamic groups. For 2025, the composition of each group is as follows:

Group A

·         Canada

·         Finland

·         Czechia

·         Switzerland

Group B

·         USA

·         Sweden

·         Germany

·         Slovakia

The group stage is compact and intense, spanning only a few days but packed with high-stakes fixtures that will determine the knockout contenders. Here is how the 2025 group stage unfolds:

Monday 11th August

·         14:30 – Canada vs Finland

·         14:30 – Germany vs Sweden

·         18:00 – Czechia vs Switzerland

·         18:00 – Slovakia vs USA

Tuesday 12th August

·         14:30 – Sweden vs USA

·         14:30 – Switzerland vs Canada

·         18:00 – Czechia vs Finland

·         18:00 – Slovakia vs Germany

Wednesday 13th August – Final Day of Group Stages

·         14:30 – Finland vs Switzerland

·         14:30 – USA vs Germany

·         18:00 – Slovakia vs Sweden

·         19:00 – Czechia vs Canada

As the group stages wrap up, anticipation will build for the knockout rounds and ultimately, the gold medal game.

The roots of the Hlinka Gretzky Cup stretch back to 1991, when the tournament was first held. Conceived as a platform for the world's best under-18 hockey talent, it is jointly administered by Hockey Canada, the Czech Ice Hockey Association, and the Slovak Ice Hockey Federation.

Originally, the tournament had a nomadic existence, with its first three editions hosted in Japan, returning for a fifth year as well. In 1994, the event travelled to Mexico and was branded ‘La Copa Mexico’. These formative years set the tone for a truly international competition, drawing future stars from across the globe.

Between 1997 and 2017, the hosting responsibilities were shared between Czechia and Slovakia. During this period, the tournament underwent several rebrandings: it was known variously as the Nations Cup, the Under 18’s Junior World Cup, and the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament. Each name reflected different aspects of its heritage and the personalities who shaped its evolution.

A pivotal moment came in 2007, when the decision was made to rename the tournament The Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, honouring one of Czech hockey’s iconic players and coaches. Ivan Hlinka was a legendary figure, recognised as the Czech national team’s most successful coach. His untimely death in a car accident in 2004 left a deep mark on the hockey world, and the tournament continues to celebrate his enduring legacy.

Following 2018, the tournament underwent its most significant transformation when Hockey Canada, in collaboration with the Czech and Slovak ice hockey associations and the Oilers Entertainment Group, announced that it would alternate annually between Red Deer and Edmonton in Alberta, Canada, and the European cities of Breclav, Czechia, and Piest’any, Slovakia. It was also christened the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, recognising the contributions of Canadian hockey legend Wayne Gretzky.

The tournament stands out as an unsanctioned event by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), allowing national teams to select their very best under-18 talent, regardless of league commitments. This has helped the Hlinka Gretzky Cup maintain its status as a pure showcase of junior hockey excellence.

The Hlinka Gretzky Cup is a one-week festival of ice hockey, renowned for its high level of play and its role in developing future NHL stars. Unlike other junior competitions, it is not held under IIHF auspices, granting teams greater flexibility in assembling their squads.

The tournament’s name pays tribute to two giants of hockey history. Ivan Hlinka, revered as both a player and coach, was instrumental in elevating Czech hockey onto the world stage. His legacy endures in the technical brilliance and competitive spirit that Czech teams bring to the Cup each year. Wayne Gretzky, widely regarded as the greatest hockey player of all time, lends his name to the event as a symbol of excellence and international cooperation. His involvement underscores the tournament’s stature and its importance as a launching pad for young athletes.

The alternating venues in Canada and Europe represent a unique bridge between continents, allowing fans from both sides of the Atlantic to experience the thrill of the tournament first-hand. Cities like Edmonton, Red Deer, Breclav, and Piest’any have become synonymous with world-class junior hockey, hosting games in packed arenas filled with hopeful scouts and enthusiastic supporters.

For fans, the Hlinka Gretzky Cup is a rare opportunity to see the future of hockey unfold in a fast-paced, competitive environment. For players, it’s a chance to represent their country, compete against the best in their age group, and catch the eye of professional scouts. The tournament’s reputation for producing elite-level talent is well earned, with alumni including many players who have gone on to stellar careers in the NHL and international play.

As the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup approaches, excitement is already building. With powerhouse nations like Canada, USA, Sweden, Finland, Czechia, Slovakia, Germany, and Switzerland in attendance, the group stage promises unforgettable moments and the chance to witness the rise of tomorrow’s hockey legends.

Whether you’re a diehard hockey fan or a newcomer to the sport, the Hlinka Gretzky Cup offers pure sporting drama, fierce competition, and the enduring appeal of international hockey.

Be sure to catch a game, follow over the bench sports blogs daily updates, and immerse yourself in the stories and spectacle that define this world-class event.

The road to gold begins in the group stages – don’t miss a single moment of the action!